OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Military Oaths

Floor Speech

Date: March 18, 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Military Personnel

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Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, our Constitution's very first amendment protects every individual's freedom of religion, but our servicemen and -women who protect our country with their lives are seeing that freedom under fire.

In 2013, the United States Air Force Academy made the phrase ``so help me God'' optional in the oath each cadet takes. And why did they do that? Because of one radical atheist group's demands.

Let me be clear: Americans have the freedom of religion--but not the freedom from religion. That is why I am introducing legislation that requires congressional approval before any change could be made to our military oaths.

Mr. Speaker, the moral foundation of our country is in serious danger if we allow radical groups to dictate whether or not we can freely express our religious beliefs. I think it is time to take a stand.

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