"RFRA was meant to be a shield that protects."
"For so many reasons we know, religious liberty is often referred to as our First Freedom."
"Prepared statement of"
"But there is a difference between exercising religious beliefs and imposing them on others."
"It is time to restore RFRA to what it was originally intended to be."
"I hope all of us here can agree that while religious liberty remains a fundamental value, it cannot and should not be used as a weapon to cause harm to others, but rather as a shield to protect the ci..."
"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..."
"However, over the years RFRA has morphed from a shield of protection to a sword of infringement."
"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."
"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."
"This legislation does not live up to the ideals of our great Nation's Constitution. And we need to stand up for people of faith who are under attack in America today."