May. 03, 2016
HARRISBURG – The House today passed legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Rick Saccone (R-Allegheny/Washington) that seeks to educate Pennsylvanians about the Commonwealth’s role in establishing “In God We Trust” as our national motto.
The measure passed by a wide bipartisan vote of 179-20 and now advances to the Senate for further consideration.
House Bill 1640 would permit school districts in the Commonwealth to display “In God We Trust” in all public school buildings, along with the Bill of Rights.
Francis Scott Key first made “In God We Trust” a statement of American patriotism when he included it in a stanza of the Star Spangled Banner in 1814, but it James Pollock who forever seared the motto into the nation’s conscience. Pollock served as Pennsylvania’s 13th governor before introducing “In God We Trust” on America’s coins as director of the United States Mint in Philadelphia under President Abraham Lincoln.
“In God We Trust” originally appeared on two-cent pieces and later was applied to other coins. Its placement on America’s money was somewhat sporadic until 1956, when President Dwight Eisenhower signed into law an act officially declaring it the motto of the United States and ordering the phrase to be placed on all coins and bills.
“In God We Trust is so woven into the American fabric that it is impossible to hear the phrase without stirring feelings of pride and allegiance to our country,” said Saccone. “The story of our national motto is an important part of Pennsylvania’s heritage – a part that remains unknown to many. This bill seeks to change that.”
Additionally, House Bill 1640 would also emphasize Pennsylvania’s role in the adoption of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which guarantee the greatest freedoms for individuals that the world has ever known. Among these are the freedom of speech, religion, assembly, the right to bear arms and protections from unlawful search and seizure.
For more information, please visit
RepSaccone.com or
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Representative Rick Saccone
39th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Ryan Travis, 717.260.6335
rtravis@pahousegop.com
RepSaccone.com /
Facebook.com/RepSaccone