John Hostettler: “I felt it necessary to clarify the discussion somewhat in that, as I have heard the discussion, it has focused on some…”

“I felt it necessary to clarify the discussion somewhat in that, as I have heard the discussion, it has focused on some issues that the bill does not cover, as well as does not discuss some of the issues that the bill is attempting to remedy. First of all, the words from the gentleman from Texas suggested that this bill had to do with the first 16 words of the first amendment. That is not true. The first 16 words to the first amendment say the following: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." It has been concluded that there are essentially two clauses to that portion of the first amendment. First is the so-called Establishment Clause and the second is the Free Exercise Clause. This bill addresses the issue of the Establishment Clause and the attorney's fees awarded as a result of cases brought regarding Establishment Clauses. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the Free Exercise Clause, the last portion of the gentleman from Texas' 16 words to the first amendment.”