Contact: Stacey Holliday, Concerned Women for America, 202-488-7000 ext. 126

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today, the Pledge of Allegiance Act, a bill to ensure that children across America can say the phrase "under God" when reciting our nation's oath, will be introduced by Rep. Todd Akin (R-Missouri) in the U.S. House of Representatives.  This bill grew out of Americans' outrage over the Ninth Circuit ruling that the Pledge of Allegiance is "unconstitutional" because it contains the words "under God."  It would prevent lower federal courts from ruling on the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Concerned Women for America (CWA) President Wendy Wright said, "When this ridiculous ruling was announced, congressmen gathered on the steps of the Capitol to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to encourage children, teachers and Americans.  But they need to do more than that – they need to preserve and protect the Pledge.  Children deserve the same freedom to acknowledge God when saying the Pledge that the congressmen enjoyed on the steps of the Capitol.

"Americans are bonded by a special patriotism and loyalty to our country and a sense of gratitude for the liberties we enjoy.  Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance kindles that bond of patriotism between Americans, and the important phrase 'under God' is a humble acknowledgement of Whom our country recognizes as our ultimate Authority.  While we understand that some judges believe themselves to be decisive authorities who should not be questioned or criticized, the Pledge stands as a reminder that America is 'one nation, under God.'

"Congressmen have an opportunity in this bill to show whether their support for the Pledge and against activist judges is merely symbolic or sincere.  Concerned Women for America encourages Congress to protect the Pledge of Allegiance and restrain activist judges from stripping God from public speech."

Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.