U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), issued the following statement after U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton in Sacramento ruled that reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools is unconstitutional because of the phrase “under God”: 

    “I strongly disagree with today’s ruling and expect that it will be overturned. 

    “The Pledge of Allegiance reflects the belief set forth by our Founders that we were placed here with purpose by a higher power. They created a country free from religious persecution based upon their fundamental belief in God.

    “I recall President Reagan’s insightful words: ‘If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.’ Our nation was founded upon religious freedom including a belief in God and a decision like the one made today undermines our morality as a nation. 

    “Every morning, the House of Representatives and the United States Senate recite the pledge, recognizing not only our unique heritage and form of government but God Himself and our accountability to Him. Every soldier, every student, every American should be able to publicly make that same pledge.”