Political Quotes

On the recordJuly 23, 2013
Our intent is not to promote institutionalized godlessness. Our intent is to promote constitutional fealty. When a young man or young woman raises their right hand and swears allegiance to this country and agrees to serve in the Armed Forces, they do not consign themselves to serve as a second-class citizen, irrespective of their faith or their life philosophy. It is wrong to say to a soldier who comes from such a tradition, that he or she, if they have an issue on which they're troubled, must go to a mental health professional in order to receive counseling, rather than someone who comes from their philosophical faith or tradition. The other problem with this amendment is it frankly second guesses the military leadership of this country, the Pentagon of this country, the Defense Department, and says that even if they would decide that such a decision would be appropriate, they're prohibited from doing so. Our law recognizes that our Constitution establishes no religion. We should have equality of treatment for our Armed Forces. I'd urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment.
Said by
Rob Andrews
Democratic · New Jersey

Share

More from Rob Andrews

Oct 4, 2013

I thank my friend for yielding. Madam Speaker, the people that we're talking about here tonight in this debate are people who work very hard and have a couple of children, usually, and need some help with their nutrition when they're…

govinfo.gov
Nov 15, 2013

On that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XX, the Chair will reduce to 5 minutes the minimum time for any electronic vote on the question of passage. This is a…

govinfo.gov
Oct 1, 2013

I think everyone here would like to be sure that those World War II veterans can see that memorial. And the way to do that is to put the Senate bill on the floor and pass it right now, which is what would happen. Before the clock strikes…

govinfo.gov
Oct 28, 2013

I think you are doing some of the most meaningful work in this Congress by your diligence here, and I am proud to be associated with it in a very minor way after the work you have done.

congress.gov

Other voices in this conversation