POLLED OUT OF COMMITTEE
MAJORITY FAVORABLE
February 22, 2017
H. 3016
S. Printed 2/22/17--S.
Read the first time February 14, 2017.
To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (H. 3016) to reaffirm "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States of America and to support and encourage the display of the motto in homes, etc., respectfully
Has polled the Concurrent Resolution out majority favorable.
TO REAFFIRM "IN GOD WE TRUST" AS THE OFFICIAL MOTTO OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE THE DISPLAY OF THE MOTTO IN HOMES, HOUSES OF WORSHIP, AND IN ALL PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS.
Whereas, July 30, 2016 marked the 60th anniversary of "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States; and
Whereas, in 2011, by resolution of the United States House of Representatives, with the concurrence of the United States Senate, the United States Congress reaffirmed "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States and supported and encouraged the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions; and
Whereas, "In God We Trust" appears over the south entrance to the United States Senate Chamber and above the Speaker's rostrum in the Chamber of the United States House of Representatives; and
Whereas, the motto has been an integral part of the society of the United States since its founding and first appeared on U.S. coins in 1864; and
Whereas, the national anthem of the United States says "praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation . . . and this be our motto: in God is our trust"; and
Whereas, the oath taken by all federal employees, except the President, states "I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God"; and
Whereas, the Preamble of the Constitution of South Carolina states: "We, the people of the State of South Carolina, in Convention assembled, grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the preservation and perpetuation of the same"; and
Whereas, all individuals have a natural and unalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly reaffirm "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States of America and support and encourage the display of the motto in homes, houses of worship, and in all public buildings, public schools, and other governmental institutions.