I thank the Chairman for holding this important hearing and for his decades of leadership on this issue and so many issues with regards to our civil rights.

But there is a difference between exercising religious beliefs and imposing them on others.

For so many reasons we know, religious liberty is often referred to as our First Freedom.

we control the people's treasure? We control the purse. Should we place a greater emphasis on pre-mitigation disaster resiliency preparedness?

The Supreme Court's 2014 ruling in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby opened the doors for these flood gates even further.

Earlier this year the Administration granted a request from South Carolina to use RFRA to waive non-discrimination requirements for State contracted child welfare agencies.

House Republicans will also continue our steadfast support for the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and will fight any attempts to diminish or weaken the law which has served our country well for over 25 years.

We have to constantly remind ourselves and our colleagues that there is no such thing as Federal money.

However, over the years RFRA has morphed from a shield of protection to a sword of infringement.

So as a Congress, it is our job to respectfully listen to the wisdoms that are presented to us from both sides of this argument.

we control the people's treasure. Should we place a greater emphasis on pre-mitigation disaster resiliency preparedness?

The 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act received overwhelming support also from more than 60 national religious and civil liberties organizations from across the philosophical and political spectrum.

Right now the Trump Administration is fighting to make it easier for women to be denied critical contraceptive coverage on the basis of an employer's religious and moral beliefs.

we have failed to maintain our water management systems.

We need to help to assist, respond.

RFRA was meant to be a shield that protects.

Thank you, sir.

I am here today to urge opposition to this legislation because I am convinced it would eviscerate one of the most important and widely regarded laws that has ever been passed by the Congress, and that is the Religious Freedom Restoration…