We may speak lightly of government burdens on a person's religious exercise. The lessons I learned during my twenty years of public service in both the legislative and executive branches stressed that government's compelling interest is both to lighten burdens and to avoid being the burden. Individuals should not be forced by government employers to choose between their religion and their employment. Government should not be a part of the problem. This bill allows government to accomplish its mission with the least possible burden or restriction, if any.
Religious institutions relieve government burdens and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
Communist economies collapsed, in large part, because they did not allow religious institutions to provide social services, health care, and education as freedom allows in America. To minimize the burdens on religious institutions is to maximize the relief these institutions can give to government. Mr. Chairman, it is time to send a new signal. It is time for the world to see that we are not only a military super power but a moral super power, leading the world to higher heights in the area of human rights than we have gone before. Thank you for your consideration and for your support of religious liberty.