Architect of the Capitol (AOC) Stephen Ayers was wrong to decide that the word God could not be used on flag certificates. Members of Congress should be able to determine whether a message from a constituent is appropriate or not.

That’s why I signed on to a letter addressed to Speaker Pelosi about the restrictions on the flag certificates that called for a review of AOC’s authority to make these rules. Mr. Ayers changed this policy after hearing from many Members of Congress that these rules are inconsistently applied and beyond the scope of the Architect’s responsibilities.

The United States is a pluralist nation and the government should encourage, not undermine the role of religion and faith in this country.  America was founded on the principle of freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.  The purpose of the First Amendment was to rule out the establishment of a particular religion and to prohibit the government from discriminating against one religion by favoring another.