Having apparently solved the nation's problems and looking for other ways to pass the time, the United States House of Representatives earlier today moved on to legislation "reaffirming" that the national motto is indeed "In God We Trust."
Just in case anyone was wondering if it had changed, I guess. The vote was 396-9.
What's next, legislation telling us the national anthem is "The Star-Spangled Banner?" That our colors are red, white, and blue?
Seriously, what's the point of using the public's time like this? Even if they've grown tired of weighty subjects like the budget, unemployment, and troops overseas, and want to turn their eyes toward religion, I have a great idea – maybe we can pass it on to House leadership: how about taking up the Workplace Religious Freedom Act ? The bill was introduced by Senator John Kerry (D-MA) last December and a bipartisan group of House members in 2007. Why not give something consequential like WRFA a try?
Calling the House's resolution "smaller than a law but bigger than a wish," the NYTimes reports on the vote here.
Five Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee wrote a dissent against the motto resolution last March, and Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York spoke against it Tuesday in a brief debate on the House floor.
“Why are my Republican friends returning to an irrelevant agenda?” Mr. Nadler said. “The national motto is not in danger. No one here is suggesting we get rid of it. It appears on our money, it appears in this chamber above your head, it appears in the Capitol Visitors’ Center, all over the place.”
