Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Votes to Protect Pledge

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Votes to Protect Pledge

WASHINGTON-Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) today applauded the passage of the Pledge Protection Act (PPA), which removes the question of the Pledge of Allegiance's constitutionality from Federal courts. Passage of the plan in the House is an important step toward safeguarding the free-exercise rights, guaranteed by the First Amendment, of the overwhelming majority of Americans who believe "under God" should remain in the Pledge of Allegiance. It is also an effective check on the power of the court when it abuses its power of judicial review.

"By passing the Pledge Protection Act, Congress reaffirms the rightful use of the phrase 'under God' as an important part of America's culture and history while preserving the pledge from future court attacks," said Diaz-Balart.

"Freedom of religion is a principle central to our Nation's Declaration of Independence. Congress has taken this positive step to protect our freedom to express allegiance to America's flag and the ideals it represents."

The Pledge Protection Act ensures the rights of those Americans who favor leaving the phrase "under God" in the Pledge while respecting the rights of religious minorities not to pledge their allegiance.