IV
106TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. RES. 548
Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the national motto for the
government of a religious people.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
JULY 11, 2000
Mr. SCHAFFER (for himself, Mr. HEFLEY, and Mr. TANCREDO) submitted the
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the national
motto for the government of a religious people.
Whereas the national motto of the United States of America
is ‘‘In God we Trust’’;
Whereas the national motto was adopted in 1956, and is
codified at 36 U.S.C.A. § 302;
Whereas the motto is a reference to the Nation’s religious
heritage (see, Lynch v. Donnelly, 465 U.S. 668, 676–77
(1984));
Whereas the national motto recognizes the religious beliefs
and practices of the American people as an aspect of our
national history and culture (see, Lynch v. Donnelly, 465
U.S. 668, at 716 (1984) (Brennan, J., dissenting) (citing
HRES 548 IH
Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. at 435 (Brennan, J., concur-
ring));
Whereas nearly every criminal law on the books can be traced
to some religious principle or inspiration (see, Abington
v. Schempp, 374 U.S. 203, at 303–04 (Brennan, J., con-
curring));
Whereas the motto ‘‘In God we Trust’’ is deeply interwoven
into the fabric of our civil polity (see, Abington v.
Schempp, 374 U.S. 203, at 303–04 (Brennan, J., con-
curring));
Whereas the motto recognizes the historical fact that our Na-
tion was believed to have been founded ‘‘under God’’
(Id.);
Whereas the content of the motto is as old as the Republic
itself, and has always been as integral a part of the First
Amendment as the very words of that charter of religious
liberty (Id.);
Whereas the display and teaching of the motto to public
school children has a valid secular purpose, such secular
purpose being to foster patriotism (see, Gaylor v. United
States, 74 f.3d 214, at 216 (10th Cir. 1996), cert, de-
nied, 517 U.S. 1211 (1996)) symbolize the historical role
of religion in our society (Id. at 676), express confidence
in the future (Id. at 692–93) (O’Conner, J., concurring)),
inculcate hope, and instruct in humility;
Whereas there is a long tradition of government acknowledg-
ment of religion in mottoes, oaths, and anthems (see,
ACLU of Ohio v. Capital Square Review and Advisory
Board, 20 F.Supp.2d 1176, at 1180–85 (S.D. Ohio.
1998));
HRES 548 IH
Whereas the national motto serves the secular purpose of ex-
pressing confidence in the future and encouraging the
recognition of what is worthy of appreciation in society
(see, Lynch v. Donnelly, 465 U.S. 668, at 693 (1984)
(O’Conner, J., concurring));
Whereas the motto reflects the national sentiment that we
are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Su-
preme Being (see, Zorach v. Clauson, 343 U.S. 306, at
313–14 (1952));
Whereas of all the dispositions and habits which lead to polit-
ical prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable
supports (Farewell Address of President Washington,
Sept. 19, 1776);
Whereas whatever may be conceded to the influence of the re-
fined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason
and experience both forbid us to expect that national mo-
rality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle (Fare-
well Address of President Washington, Sept. 19, 1776);
Whereas it is religion and morality alone which can establish
the principles upon which freedom can securely stand
(John Adams, The Works of John Adams, Second Presi-
dent of the United States, Charles Francis Adams, editor
(Boston, Little Brown & Co. 1854), vol. IX, p. 229, Octo-
ber 11, 1789);
Whereas with caution we must indulge the supposition that
morality can be maintained without religion (Farewell
Address of President Washington, Sept. 19, 1776);
Whereas the role of religion in public life is an important one
which deserves the public’s attention (see, ACLU of Ohio
v. Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board, 20
F.Supp.2d 1176, at 1180–85 (S.D. Ohio, 1998));