America’s Judeo-Christian Heritage

Congressman Forbes' recent statement on the floor of the House of Representatives affirming America’s Judeo-Christian heritage has drawn nearly two million viewers on YouTube. In the video, Congressman Forbes asks the questions "Did America ever consider itself a Judeo-Christian nation?" and "If America was once a Judeo-Christian nation, when did it cease to be?.”

Watch the video or read the transcript.

Read more.

The Congressional Prayer Caucus The Prayer Caucus is a bipartisan group of over 50 Members of Congress who share a common vision to strengthen prayer in America through the legislative process. More...

America's Spiritual Heritage Congressman Forbes introduced a resolution to recognize the rich spiritual and religious history of our nation’s founding and history. More...

Public Expression of Religion Congressman Forbes has supported legislation to protect the public expression of religion on memorials, public buildings, and official state seals. More...

 Honored the Gettysburg Address. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res. 736, honoring the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln and recognizing November 19th as "Dedication Day" in honor of the Gettysburg Address.  This resolution passed by a vote of 393-0.

Recognized the importance of a stable family life. Congressman Forbes supported H.Res.831, which recognizes that every child in foster care deserves a permanent and loving family. This legislation passed by voice vote.

Honored the achievements of the Girl Scouts. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 621, which directs the Treasury to mint 350,000 $1 coins to recognize 100 years of achievement and contributions from the Girl Scouts.

Attended the Supreme Court arguments in Salazar v. Buono. The case involves a cross that has served as a WWI Veterans Memorial in the Mojave Desert since 1934, which lower federal courts have held is unconstitutional. This case will set important precedent for future Establishment Clause cases. Congressman Forbes is represented as amici in this case.

Applauded the unveiling of our national motto, ‘In God We Trust,’ in the Capitol Visitor Center. For over a year, Congressman Forbes and Members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus have fought for the inclusion of historical references to America’s religious heritage in the Capitol Visitor Center.

Spoke on the House floor in opposition to hate crimes in defense bill. Congressman Forbes led a Motion to Instruct Conferees to reject a hate crimes amendment attached to the Defense Authorization bill and discussed the impact such an amendment would have on religious speech. The Motion to Instruct was defeated by a vote of 178-234.  

Defended the Pledge of Allegiance. Congressman Forbes was represented as amicus curiae in a recent decision in a federal court holding that the words “One nation, under God” in The Pledge of Allegiance do not violate the Establishment Clause.

Called for a clear vote on government funding for abortions. Congressman Forbes joined 182 Members of Congress in sending a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Rules Committee Chairwoman Louise Slaughter requesting that Members of the House be permitted to take an up or down vote on an amendment to prohibit government funding of abortion.

Endorsed the rights of parents to educate their children. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.J. Res. 42, which proposes an amendment to the Unites States Constitution to declare that parents have a fundamental right to direct the education and upbringing of their children.

Called for prohibiting federal funds for abortions. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R.1233, which would prohibit federal funds from being used for population control or family planning programs that some taxpayers might find objectionable.

Honored the contributions of Catholic sisters. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res. 441, a resolution honoring the historic contributions of Catholic sisters in the United States. Catholic nuns have been in America since before the nation’s founding and have been a strong force in providing health care and education throughout U.S. history. The resolution passed the House unanimously.

Supported families’ efforts to adopt children overseas. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 3110, to reduce bureaucratic red tape surrounding international adoptions and increase protections for families seeking to adopt children from other countries.

Supporting Americans' Right to Pray.  Congressman Forbes joined with 60 Members of Congress in signing a letter of support for a principal and athletic director in the Santa Rosa County School District in Florida. The two men faced criminal contempt charges for asking for a prayer before a meal at an event honoring private donors to the athletic program. Congressman Forbes also gave a speech on the House Floor to discuss the criminalization of prayer in America. The men were found not guilty on Thursday.

Commemorated the bicentennial of the Star-Spangled Banner. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R. 2097, the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act, which directs the U.S. Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins and $1 silver coins to commemorate the bicentennial of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner. The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States, and its lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key after the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. This bill passed the House by a vote of 419-1.

Supported programs to increase hunger awareness and prevention. Congressman Forbes voted for  H.Res. 270 to recognize the establishment of Hunters for the Hungry programs across the United States and the contributions of those programs’ efforts to decrease hunger and help feed those in need. The bill passed the House by a vote of 418-1.

Promoted the role of faith in American heritage. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Con.Res. 131 to direct the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to engrave the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the National Motto of "In God We Trust" in the Capitol Visitor Center. The legislation comes in response to a letter Congressman Forbes and 108 Members of Congress sent to the AOC last year requesting the ommissions be corrected. Passage of this resolution marks another important step forward in acknowledging the importance of our nation’s religious heritage and correcting the omission of historical religious content in the Capitol Visitor Center.  The bill passed the House by a vote of 410-8.

Named the Distinguished Christian Statesman for 2009. Congressman Forbes was awarded the Distinguished Christian Statesman Award by the D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship on Wednesday, June 24. Congressman Forbes has successfully rolled back efforts to remove religious references from flag folding ceremonies and national monuments, worked to protect the right to pray in public places, and introduced H.Res.397, to affirm the 200-plus-year religious history of America and establish “America’s Spiritual Heritage Week.”

Reached 1.5 million viewers with his speech on Judeo-Christian Heritage. Congressman Forbes delivered a speech on our Judeo-Christian heritage in May that has received 1,576,055 views to date on YouTube. The speech came as a response to comments made by the President stating that the United States did not consider itself a Judeo-Christian nation. In the speech, Congressman Forbes affirms the rich religious history of our nation and recognizes its continued importance in American life. Congressman Forbes introduced H.Res.397 to recognize the religious foundations of faith upon which America was built and to support the designation of an "America's Spiritual Heritage Week" every year. 

Supported the symbol of the United States Flag and the ideals of Flag Day. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res.420, to honor the Flag, and recognize June 14, 2009 as Flag Day.

Supported the designation of Boy Scouts of America Day. Congressman Forbes supported H.Res.356, which designates February 8, 2010, as "Boy Scouts of America Day," in celebration of the nation's largest youth scouting organization's 100th anniversary. 

Expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the ConAgra Foods plant explosion in Garner, North Carolina. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res.540 to commend the heroic actions of the Garner Police and Fire Departments, the quick response of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and all other first responders, emergency services personnel, and private citizens who responded to the crisis.

Supported families of veterans honoring their loved-ones as they choose. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R.2586 to ensure families of veterans have the option of having the honor guard perform the 13-fold flag ceremony at veterans’ funerals. The recitations that accompany each of the 13 folds of the flag are used to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country, but they have been the subject of controversy in the Veterans Affairs Department because the recitation references God.  

Raised concerns about new public broadcasting policies against religious content. Congressman Forbes sent a letter to John Porter, Chairman of the Board for the Public Broadcasting Service (“PBS”) raising concerns about the PBS board’s plan to vote on stripping the PBS affiliation from any station that carries “sectarian” content. PBS has already notified the Archdiocese of Washington that it will cancel "Mass for Shut-Ins," a program that has run for nearly 60 years, according to The Washington Post: 

Supported the definition of marriage as one man and one women.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 2608, which would define marriage as one man and one woman in the District of Columbia. Earlier this month, the Council of the District of Columbia voted 12-1 to recognize same-sex marriages.

Cosponsored H.J.Res.50, the Marriage Protection Amendment. This resolution would amend the United States Constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman.

Recognized the important contributions of father’s. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.Res. 428, which recognizes the contribution of father’s in the development of their children, supports responsible fatherhood, and encourages greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children.

Cosponsored H.Con.Res. 121, designating 2010 as The Year of the Bible. The resolution encourages the President to designate 2010 as The Year of the Bible to recognize how the Bible has shaped and influenced America.

Cosponsored H.R. 2458, the Schoolchildren’s Health Protection Act.  This bill prohibits federal funds from going to elementary and secondary schools that distribute or provide emergency contraception, such as Plan B, or a prescription for such contraception.

Recognized the religious heritage of the United States. Congressman Forbes introduced H.Res.397, America’s Spiritual Heritage Resolution, which recognizes the rich spiritual and religious history of our nation’s founding and subsequent history.  The resolution would also designate the first week in May of every year as America’s Spiritual Heritage Week. Congressman Forbes' delivered remarks on the House Floor about America's spiritual heritage. Click here to watch the speech. 

Held a press conference affirming America's rich spiritual heritage. Congressman Forbes was joined on the National Day of Prayer by ten Members of Congress and thirteen faith leaders at a bipartisan press conference to affirm that America was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. 

Featured in U.S. News & World Report.  Click here to read the editorial by Congressman Forbes. 

Supported counseling programs for parents who place a child for adoption. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 1505, the Birth Parents Assistance Act, to create a grant program for counseling and other post-placement support services for birth parents after they have placed a child up for adoption.

Signed a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder asking him to defend and enforce the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which has been federal law since 1996. DOMA provides that states cannot be forced by residents of another state to recognize same-sex marriage, and that for purposes of federal law, marriage is the union of one man and one woman. On March 3, 2009, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court in Boston, Massachusetts on behalf of same-sex couples who have been deemed married by the state of Massachusetts. These couples are now seeking federal benefits including pensions, Social Security, and joint tax filing status from the federal government on the basis of those “marriages.”  Their claim is that DOMA is unconstitutional because it protects the federal government from having to recognize such unions.

Signed a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Appropriations Chair David Obey, and Rules Committee Chair Louise Slaughter calling for the retention of pro-life provisions traditionally included in the annual spending bills.  These provisions, often referred to as riders, are contained in multiple spending bills and must be retained each year for the policies to remain in place. These provisions address issues such as abortion funding, conscience protection for health care providers, and embryo research.  Removing any of these provisions could lead to an erosion of current pro-life law.

Agreed to cosponsor the Defense of Marriage Amendment to amend the United States Constitution to protect the traditional definition of marriage.  This proposed amendment would (1) define marriage in the United States as a legal union of one man and one woman; (2) expressly prohibit the judicial power of the United States or of any state from being used to redefine marriage as anything other than a union between one man and one woman; and (3) resolve questions relating to the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act by incorporating language which would prohibit the courts from imposing the policy of one state on other states.

Signed on as an original cosponsor of H.R. 227, the Sanctity of Life Act, in the 111^th Congress. This bill would declare that the life of each human begins with fertilization, cloning, or its functional equivalent, at which point every human being shall have all the legal and constitutional rights and privileges of a person.

Supported H.R. 6893, the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act. This bill would double the amount of money that states receive for the completion of certain adoptions, especially for children with special needs, and establish Family Connection Grants to spur placement of foster children with blood relatives such as grandparents, aunts or uncles.  The bill would also make older foster children eligible to receive support benefits until age 21, expand programs to bring foster children to and from school, and extend all program benefits to Indian tribes as well as states. 

 Supported H.Res. 1432, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month by promoting national awareness of adoption and children in foster care awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, recognizing current programs and efforts designed to promote adoption, and encouraging people in the United States to seek improved safety, permanency, and well-being for all children.

Voted in favor of H.Res. 1296, which supports the designation of a National Child Awareness Month to promote awareness of children's charities and youth-serving organizations across the United States and recognizing their efforts on behalf of children and youth as a positive investment for the future of our nation.

Signed onto a letter to the Mayor and City Council President of Philadelphia asking them to reconsider their decision to discriminate against the Boy Scouts for their commitment to traditional moral values. Since 1928, the Cradle of Liberty Council has rented its headquarters from the city for $1 per year. However, the City of Philadelphia made a decision to penalize the Boys Scouts because of its adherence to long-held, mainstream moral beliefs by raising the rent to $200,000 per year after May 31, 2008. Serving 87,000 boys and men, the Cradle of Liberty Council, located in Philadelphia, is the third largest local council in the country. Of the estimated 69,000 youth that participate, many benefit from mentoring and educational services, in addition to the traditional service projects and character building activities. Additionally, seven years ago, the Supreme Court affirmed the Boy Scouts’ right to continue to structure its organization in a way that is consistent with its core values. Just two years ago, Congress passed, with overwhelming support, the Support Our Scouts Act to ensure that state and local government entities do not deny Boy Scouts equal access to public facilities, forums, and programs.

Signed a letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Dingell and Ranking Member Barton in support of Title V Abstinence Education programs.  This letter expressed support for reauthorizing and maintaining the integrity of this important program that teaches teens how to make healthy decisions about their future.  These programs have been shown to be effective in nearly a dozen different studies.  The Title V program provides $50 million annually for abstinence education that is distributed on a formula basis to states, and every four federal dollars must be matched by three state and local dollars.  Without Congressional action, Title V is set to expire on June 30, 2008. 
  

Voted in favor of H.Res. 1243, Recognizing the immeasurable contributions of fathers in the healthy development of children, supporting responsible fatherhood, and encouraging greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children, especially on Father's Day.  This resolution commends the millions of fathers who serve as wonderful, caring parents for their children, and calls on fathers across the United States to use Father's Day to reconnect and rededicate themselves to their children's lives, spend Father's Day with their children, and express their love and support for their children.  It also urges men to understand the level of responsibility fathering a child requires, especially in the encouragement of children's moral, academic and spiritual development.

Cosponsored the Marriage Protection Amendment, H.J.Res. 89.  After the recent California Supreme Court case that overturned the will of the people that marriage be defined between one man and one woman, several Members of Congress, including Congressman Forbes, have re-introduced the Marriage Protection Amendment.  This legislation sends a clear message to the court that traditional marriage should be protected. 

Supported H.Res. 1185, a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should recognize the important contributions of Americans who serve as foster parents and, who by doing so, unselfishly open their homes and family lives to children in need.

Wrote a letter to the Architect of the Capitol requesting information on the display content for the videos and permanent displays in the Capitol Visitors Center (CVC).  There are concerns that our country’s religious history will not be represented in the new Capitol Visitors Center as originally agreed upon by several working groups. Previous requests for official documentation of the permanent exhibits and the introductory video to be seen by each visitor at the beginning of Capitol tours have been denied. Under the previous Architect of the Capitol, such documentation was routinely provided. Currently, the CVC has been unable to provide the content of the finalized plan and intends to open in the fall of 2008. 

Joined the Congressional Caucus on Religious Minorities in the Middle East, a bipartisan Congressional Member Organization dedicated to raising awareness of the challenges facing religious minorities in Middle Eastern nations.  The caucus monitors the conditions that religious minorities face while in the Middle East, U.S. government’s response to the needs of these communities, and changing religious demographics of the region. The caucus also considers how U.S. foreign policy can strengthen the moderating effects of diversity by protecting minorities in the region that are facing discrimination and violence.  The Middle East is a place of great religious diversity, but over the last several decades, many religious populations, particularly Christian, have left the region due to violence and increasing tensions between different religious demographics. 

Wrote a letter to the Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee supporting H.Res. 888, the Religious Heritage Resolution.  H. Res. 888 recognizes some of the many examples of how religious faith has influenced America’s founding and subsequent history, and would establish the first week of May as America’s Religious History Week to commemorate this aspect of our nation’s heritage.  Chairman Henry Waxman has so far refused to place H.Res. 888 on the committee’s schedule for consideration because of its religious content.

Joined 38 other Members of Congress in introducing H.Res. 1076, a resolution supporting the right of parents to homeschool their children.  This resolution was introduced in response to a recent California Appeals Court ruling denying parents the fundamental right to educate their children at home.  H.Res. 1076 commends the Court for allowing a rehearing in this matter and calls upon the court to uphold the United States Supreme Court’s opinion that parents have a fundamental and constitutional right to direct the upbringing and education of their children.

Spoke to members of the Values Action Team about H.Res. 888, the Religious Heritage Resolution.  Rep. Forbes spoke to advocacy groups in attendance about the importance of honoring our nation’s vibrant religious heritage, and encouraged them to ask Members of Congress to sign on as cosponsors.  H.Res. 888 is a resolution that honors America’s religious and spiritual heritage and designates the first week of May as American Religious History Week.  The Values Action Team was established in 1998 to provide a discussion and dialogue forum for Members of Congress and organizations concerned about family and social issues in the United States.

Cosponsored H.R. 4852, the Positive Alternatives Act, which would ensure that states have the flexibility to use their TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) block grant dollars to offer alternative-to-abortion services to women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. This includes information or counseling that promotes childbirth instead of abortion and assists pregnant women in making informed decisions about parenting or adoption. 

Introduced H. Res 888, a Resolution affirming the rich spiritual and religious history of our Nation’s founding and subsequent history. This resolution examines the religious history of our nation and how religion is reflected in our nation’s documents, events throughout our nation’s history, and places throughout our nation’s capitol, such as the Washington Monument, the Library of Congress, and the United States Capitol Building. H. Res 888 also designates the first week in May of every year as American Religious History Week for the appreciation of and education about America’s history of religious faith. To view a version of H.Res.888 with sources for historical references listed throughout, click here.

Signed a letter to President Bush supporting Abstinence Education funding. The letter asked the President to insist that Congress maintain his requested funding levels for abstinence education programs in the Labor-HHS appropriations bill.

Voted in favor of H.Res. 847, which recognizes the importance of Christmas and the Christian Faith. This resolution would recognize the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world, express continued support for Christians in the United States and worldwide and acknowledge the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith. The resolution would also acknowledge and support the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization, reject bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide, and express the deepest respect of the House of Representatives to American Christians and Christians throughout the world.

Cosponsored H.Res. 847, which would recognize the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith. This bill would recognize the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world, express continued support for Christians in the United States and worldwide, and acknowledge the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith. The resolution would also acknowledge and support the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization, reject bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide, and express deep respect to American Christians and Christians throughout the world.

Authored a letter defending America’s religious and spiritual heritage to the Director of the National Park Service, Mary Bomar, demanding that the replica of the top of the Washington Monument be properly displayed so that the inscription Laus Deo, which means “Praise be to God,” is fully visible. Additionally, the letter asked that all educational materials and signage accurately reflect America’s religious and spiritual heritage. The letter was sent with the signatures of 18 Members of Congress following reports that the display had been changed to remove any mention of the inscription, and the replica had been placed facing a wall so that it was hidden from view. Shortly after the letter was sent, NPS issued a statement acknowledging the oversight and committing to redesign the display so that the Laus Deo inscription could be seen.

Cosponsored H.R. 3908, the Loyalty to Our Legacy Act of 2007, which would ensure that the new Capitol Visitor Center will preserve America’s religious heritage by requiring that the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the national motto `In God We Trust' are each displayed prominently there on a permanent basis. This bill would also ensure that in preparing and producing any exhibit or other material relating to the Capitol Visitor Center, the Architect of the Capitol may not remove or refuse to include any language, symbol, writing, document, or record on the grounds that the language, symbol, writing, document, or record includes a religious reference or Judeo-Christian content.

Voted to uphold the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman by opposing H.R. 3685, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). H.R. 3685 would prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on “actual or perceived” sexual orientation. Congressman Forbes offered a motion that would have preserved the traditional definition of marriage as between one man and one woman, by ensuring that nothing in the Act could be construed to modify, limit, restrict, or in any way overturn any State or Federal definition of marriage as between one man and one woman, including the use of the Act as a legal predicate in litigation on the issue of marriage. Specifically, this would have prevented courts from citing ENDA as justification for striking down so-called “discriminatory” marriage laws in the 49 of 50 states that currently restrict marriage to between one man and one woman. The motion failed and Congressman Forbes voted against final passage of H.R. 3685.

Signed on as an original cosponsor of H.R. 4157, the Sanctity of Life Act, which would declare that the life of each human begins with fertilization, cloning, or its functional equivalent, at which point every human being shall have all the legal and constitutional attributes and privileges of personhood.

Cosponsored H.Con.Res. 239, which recognizes and honors birthparents who carry out an adoption plan. This legislation states that birthparents should be recognized, honored, and commended for making a loving decision to carry out an adoption plan, recognizes adoption as a loving, viable option in the event of an unplanned pregnancy. November is National Adoption Month.

Introduced H.R. 3779, the Andrew Larochelle God, Family and Country Act of 2007, along with Reps. Mike Turner (OH-03), Marilyn Musgrave (CO-04), Steve Pearce (NM-02), and Steve King (IA-05), which would require the Architect of the Capitol to permit the acknowledgment of God on flag certificates that are issued at the request of a Member of the United States House of Representatives or of the United States Senate. In recent months, the Architect of the Capitol had censored the word “God” and other religious expressions from several requests for flag certificates, stating that the use of the word “God” violated the Architect’s rules prohibiting religious references on flag certificates. In response, Congressman Forbes joined with over 160 other Members of Congress in signing a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi requesting an immediate review of the authority under which the Architect was making these rules, and seeking the reversal of this policy which censored citizens’ right to free expression of their faith. As a result of this action, the Architect of the Capitol announced new guidelines that would not restrict religious expression on flag certificates. H.R. 3779 will permanently protect Americans’ freedom of religious expression and ensure that future Architects of the Capitol will not be able to change the policy arbitrarily.

Spoke before the Values Action Team about H.R. 2807, the Patients First Act, which Congressman Forbes introduced. The Patients First Act promotes research using stem cells that are ethically obtained and show evidence of providing near-term clinical benefit for human patients without the creation or destruction of human embryos. The bill puts the priority for funding on treating patients using successful stem cell therapies, and will intensify research that may result in treatments for numerous diseases and other adverse health conditions. The Values Action Team was established in 1998 to connect conservative Members of Congress with pro-family coalitions.

Supported H.R. 3668, the Transitional Medical Assistance, Abstinence Education, and Qualifying Individuals Programs Extension Act of 2007. This bill extends funding through December 31, 2007 for abstinence education programs and provides for the extension of transitional medical assistance, which provides temporary health care coverage to families that have become ineligible for Medicaid because of increased earnings - often triggered by leaving welfare for work. The bill also extends funding for the qualifying individuals program.

Introduced H.R. 2807, the Patients First Act. The Patients First Act bridges the political divide over embryonic stem cell research and focuses on the common goal shared by both sides of the embryonic stem cell debate - curing and treating patients. The purpose of H.R. 2807 is to:

• intensify research that may result in an improved understanding of, or treatments for, diseases and other adverse health conditions;
• promote research and human clinical trials using stem cells that are ethically obtained and show evidence of providing clinical benefit for human patients; and
• promote the creation of pluripotent stem cell lines without the creation of human embryos, or the destruction or discarding of, or risk of injury to, human embryos.

Joined 176 Members of Congress in opposing S. 5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, which would allow federal funding for research that utilizes viable human embryonic stem cells. Federal funding for such research is currently prohibited under federal law. Congressman Forbes supports federal funding for meaningful research using ethically-obtained stem cell lines but does not support the destruction of human life for the purposes of medical research.

Cosponsored H.R. 2104, the Public Prayer Protection Act, which seeks to protect the right of elected and appointed officials to express their religious beliefs through public prayer by removing all establishment clause cases involving prayer by public officials from federal court jurisdiction to the jurisdiction of state courts.

Signed a letter with other Members of Congress encouraging continued funding of Title V abstinence education programs, and cosponsored legislation to tie Title V abstinence education funding with Transitional Medical Assistance (TMA) in order to increase the chances that abstinence education would be funded. Current Congressional leadership has announced plans to discontinue funding abstinence education programs under Title V. In the past, Title V and TMA have been reauthorized together. Abstinence education programs have proven effective in teaching teenagers to stay healthy, develop strong self-esteem, and making a positive impact on their future.

Supported H.Res. 263, recognizing National Foster Care Month as an opportunity for Congress to improve the foster care system throughout the United States. Approximately half a million children in this country are in foster care.

Voted in favor of H. Res. 385, which would recognize National AmeriCorps Week, May 13-20, 2007. This resolution encourages all citizens to join in a national effort to salute AmeriCorps members and alumni, acknowledge the significant accomplishments these corps members, alumni and community partners make, and encourage citizens of all ages to participate in service opportunities. AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects more than 70,000 Americans each year through service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.

Signed a letter to Chairman Jerrold Nadler, of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, to request the subcommittee to hold a hearing on the Right to Life Act, H.R. 618, which declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being, defining "human being" to mean all stages of life, including but not limited to the moment of fertilization or cloning. The hearing would be the first step on the issue in the 110th Congress.

Authored a letter, signed by 19 Members of Congress, to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education to ask their support for full funding of abstinence education programs in the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2008. Abstinence education programs have proven effective in teaching teenagers to stay healthy, develop strong self-esteem, and making a positive impact on their future.

Announced the formation of a "Call to Prayer for America." Congressman Forbes, Chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, was joined by over 35 other Members of Congress from 21 states for a bi-partisan press conference on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Members officially gathered to recognize the significant role that prayer has played in the history of our nation and to encourage individuals to pray for America.

Cosponsored H.R. 1457, the Post-Abortion Depression Research and Care Act of 2007. This legislation would provide for research and services for individuals with post-abortion depression and psychosis, including case management, screening and comprehensive treatment services for women at risk for post-abortion conditions, and also support services for their families. This purpose of this legislation is to gain a better understanding on how abortion affects women and families.

Cosponsored the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act. This legislation would require those who perform abortions on unborn children as early as 20 weeks to inform the mother that, at that stage, their baby has the ability to feel pain, to cry, to breathe and to survive outside of the womb. It would also provide the mother with the option of having pain-reducing drugs administered directly to the child.

Cosponsored H.R. 628, the Helping Families Adopt Orphans Act, legislation to aid families adopting orphans from foreign countries. Because of the wait time between an application approval and receiving a child, many families' applications expire, requiring them to repeat the expensive and time-consuming application process. The entire process of international adoption can cost thousands of dollars.

Cosponsored H. Res. 179, a resolution supporting National Foster Parents Day, to recognize the contributions of foster parents across the nation. Foster parents, who open their homes and hearts to children, play a vital role in helping children launch into successful adulthood. Approximately half a million children in this country are in foster care.

Signed onto H.Con.Res. 62, supporting the goals and ideals of a National Children and Families Day, a day to encourage adults in their support of children.

Cosponsored the Public Expressions of Religion Protection Act of 2007, H.R. 725. This legislation would bar judges from awarding legal fees to groups that sue municipalities for violating the Constitution's ban on government establishment of religion. Because judges often require municipalities that lose these types of lawsuits to reimburse their opponents' legal fees, citizens end up paying these bills with their own tax dollars. This legislation passed the House in the 109th Congress but failed to pass the Senate.

Sent a letter to other Members of Congress urging their support for the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act when it is introduced in the 110th Congress. In October of 2006, baby Amilla Taylor was born at 21 weeks and 6 days, becoming the youngest documented premature infant to survive. This bill would require those who perform abortions on unborn children at 20 weeks to inform the mother that, at that stage, their baby has the ability to feel pain, to cry, to breathe and to survive outside of the womb.

Cosponsored Holly's Law, H.R. 63, legislation that would ask for the withdrawal of the approved application of the Federal Drug Administration for the drug RU-486, dubbed "the morning-after pill," which is used for the chemically-induced termination of pregnancy. The FDA has acknowledged the deaths of eight women associated with the drug.

Cosponsored the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, which would amend the federal criminal code to prohibit transporting a minor across a state lines to obtain an abortion and avoid the home state's abortion laws.

Cosponsored The Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act of 2007, H.R. 471, which would make permanent a $10,000 child adoption tax credit that is set to expire in 2010. H.R. 471 would ensure a tax relief for parents who are making the important commitment to adopt a child. Congressman Forbes has been an advocate of similar legislation to promote adoption, such as the Helping Families Adopt Orphans Act.

Worked to continue and expand the Congressional Prayer Caucus (CPC) in the 110^th Congress. Throughout the more than 200-year history of our nation, prayer has played a vital role in strengthening the fabric of our society. The purpose of the CPC is to recognize and protect the vital role that prayer by individuals of all faiths has played in the lives of the American people and the nation.

Cosponsored the Marriage Protection Act to stand up for traditional marriage values and protect traditional marriage from being subject to activist court decisions.

Cosponsored the Right to Life Act, which declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being, defining "human being" to mean all stages of life, including but not limited to the moment of fertilization or cloning. It is the duty of all Americans to protect our children - born and unborn. This bill would provide protection to all unborn children from the moment of conception.

Voted against HR 3, the The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which prevents the use of federal tax-payer dollars for funding incentives for embryo destruction at in vitro fertilization clinics. Congressman Forbes supports other methods of encouraging alternative stem cell research that does not include the unethical destruction of embryos. He also supports funding new scientific research methods that do not cross ethical boundaries and destroy life.