John Bel Edwards: “I do support this legislation, and I want to compliment the chairman, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling)…”

“I do support this legislation, and I want to compliment the chairman, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling), and the ranking member, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay), for their great work. This will be a better country, and communities and young people, people of all ages, and particularly children, will live a better life because of this legislation. However, I must rise, even at this time of the morning, with strong reservations that I share with my colleague from Virginia (Mr. Scott). Mr. Speaker, just a few months ago, in a major national debate and a vote on the floor of this House, this Congress went clearly on record in defending the first 16 words of the first amendment in the Bill of Rights. Those 16 words are these: ``Congress shall pass no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.'' These cherished words have served our country well for over two centuries. They are basically the foundation of religious liberty in America, a liberty of religion that is envied across the world. The provisions of so-called charitable choice were added in this bill unbeknownst to many Members of the House or Senate at a time when we were cluttered with many other issues in Congress. This charitable choice language, in my opinion, and in the opinion of others, could directly undermine the intent of those first 16 words of the Bill of Rights.”