Recognizing Faith Month

Floor Speech

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Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, our Founding Fathers believed that democracy and our system of government could only prosper in a Western society guided by Judeo-Christian values. I raised my son with these values, and he is raising his sons with this same set of values. For nearly 30 years, I have instilled these same values to our youth as a Sunday school teacher.

As we have all observed, America is at a social and political crossroads, which stems from a profound loss of traditional Judeo- Christian values that make up the foundation of our families and, therefore, our Nation. Religious devotion among Americans is collapsing. More than a third of the country declines to attend religious services. Less than 75 percent of the country holds strong, solid religious beliefs.

Is there any wonder we see the crime rates continue to surge and America's mental health crisis continue to worsen? The conclusion is simple. It is the direct effect of the erosion of our Christian values, and it started with taking prayer out of the schools.

America needs spiritual guidance now more than ever. Christian values promote personal responsibility, compassion, and a sense of community. These are the essential pillars missing in today's society. When these values are absent in a family or in a society, you will see a decline in morality that can be generational.

We, as leaders, need to not only remind ourselves but our colleagues and constituents that restoring the Judeo-Christian values that our country was founded upon offers a pathway for our country to heal. If our country or our families fail to embrace the principles that made our Nation great, our Nation risks further division and decline.

That is why I am proud to co-chair the Congressional Family Caucus, which seeks to restore the guiding Judeo-Christian values and principles that exemplify our Nation's greatness by promoting God- driven and family-focused policies.

It is time to reinstate the teachings of Jesus Christ and chart a course toward renewal, reconciliation, and revival for our great Nation.

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