“Bill addresses criticism that the Capitol does not sufficiently recognize the role religion played in the forming of the nation’s government”

Washington D.C. - Congressman Dan Lungren (R-CA), Ranking Member of the House Administration Committee, introduced legislation (H.Con.Res 131) that would direct the Architect of the Capitol to engrave the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the National Motto of `In God We Trust' in the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC).

“There are a number of appropriate religious references in the Capitol Visitor Center, but I believe the Pledge of Allegiance and National Motto are very significant to our nation’s history and should be properly displayed,” Lungren said.

The CVC first opened in Dec of 2008 and is the first space people see before taking a tour of the Capitol building. The 580,000-square-foot center is entirely underground.

Prior to the CVC, fewer visitors came to the Capitol, but they spent hours outside waiting for tours. Now, the average wait time is six to 10 minutes and they have access to a new cafeteria, gift shops and an exhibition hall. On May 14, 2008 the CVC welcomed its one millionth visitor.

Congressman Dan Lungren serves as Ranking Member on the House Administration Committee in addition to serving on the Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees