Sam Farr: “I want to respond first of all to the comments of the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott). In the bill it says: "The…”

“I want to respond first of all to the comments of the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott). In the bill it says: "The Secretary shall ensure that the purpose of any grant or financial assistance provided by the Secretary to the Foundation under this Act is secular, does not promote religion, and seeks to protect qualities that are historically significant." This is a private foundation separate from the church and raises money separately from the church, so we are trying to assure here there is no benefit to the church from the restoration efforts. Let me rise in support of this bill, the California Missions Preservation Act. Interestingly enough, one of the statues in Statuary Hall is that of Father Serra, and in his hand is a replica of the Carmel mission, just a few blocks from my home. This legislation has been cosponsored by 48 of my California colleagues in the House of Representatives.”