Dear Ranger Shefferd :
Thank you for informing me of your opposition to the acting Architect of the Capitol, Stephen T. Ayers' removal of references to God from official flag certificates. Your thoughts on this important issue are most welcome and appreciated.
As a co-sponsor of H.R. 3779, I agree with you.
As you know, the First Amendment states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Too often, courts have misinterpreted the Constitution and emphasized an erroneous view of the establishment clause at the expense of the free exercise clause. Recently however, acknowledging God on the certificate accompanying a constituent's American flag request, even a reference requested by said constituent, has been arbitrarily banned by the Architect of the Capitol.
Therefore, on October 4, 2007, I joined Congressman Michael Turner (OH) in sending a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressing our opposition to the decision of the acting Architect of the Capitol, Stephen T. Ayers' removal of references to God from flag certificates. Specifically, the letter stated the Architect's decision was outside the scope of his office; and added his aversion to religion brings into question his objective ability to preserve a building containing many national religious symbols. Finally, we requested Speaker Pelosi immediately reverse the censorship imposed by the acting Architect of the Capitol. Consequently, on October 11, 2007, the Architect of the Capitol reversed his decision to forbid reference to God on Flag certificates.
Moreover, to preserve the ability of a constituent to reference God on a flag certificate, on October 9, 2007, Representative Turner also introduced H.R. 3779, legislation requiring the Architect of the Capitol to permit the acknowledgement of God on flag certificates, which I have co-sponsored. If enacted, this legislation would prohibit the Architect of the Capitol (or the acting Architect) from determining a reference to God does not belong on a constituent requested certificate. Presently, this legislation awaits action in the Committee on House Administration.
As I have stated before: no good government denies God's presence. Thus, rest assured, your thoughts on this matter will be well remembered during the 110 th Congress. Again, thank you for contacting me; and for all you do for our community and our country. Should you have any further comments or questions on this or any other issue, please contact me at the Livonia district or Washington , D.C. office.
I work for you.
Sincerely,
Thaddeus G. McCotter
Member of Congress
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