Providing For Engravements In Capitol Visitor Center

Floor Speech

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Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I am a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 131 which directs the Architect of the Capitol to engrave the National Motto, ``In God We Trust,'' and the Pledge of Allegiance in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.

Over one million visitors have passed through the new U.S. Capitol Visitor Center since it was opened in December 2008. The new Visitor Center is more than just a pathway to the 200-year-old Capitol. It is also a museum and classroom. In it you will find historic documents, including the patent drawing for the Wright Brothers' Flying Machine.

The Visitor Center is a magnificent addition to the Capitol, but it is incomplete without our National Motto, ``In God We Trust,'' as well as the Pledge of Allegiance. This resolution will ensure that these important words are given appropriate recognition.

Our national reverence to God is fundamental in our history. Our National Motto and the Pledge of Allegiance both mention God. Yet, there have been attempts, including a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in 2002, to remove references to ``God'' from government.

In 2007, I joined in a successful effort to reverse one such prohibition. When a 17-year-old Eagle Scout from Dayton, Ohio, wanted to honor his grandfather's ``dedication and love of God, Country, and family'' with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, the Architect of the Capitol censored the word ``God'' from the flag certificate. I strongly objected and introduced legislation to permanently allow religious references on Capitol flag certificates. The Architect of the Capitol later reversed his position and restored the reference to God on the flag certificate.

It's important that America's traditions, religious freedom and freedom of expression be promoted and protected. I support this resolution and urge its adoption.

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