Congressional Beliefs Matter
Good Legislation Takes More Than Leader's Religious Convictions
Apr 23, 2007
A political legislator's faith can shape governmental regulation. For many voters, it makes no difference what religious affiliation they hold if there is a deep-seated committment to ethics and the public good which would appear to be all that is necessary. After a cursory glance at the various religious convictions of both Senators and Representatives in the House of Congress, one can find some enlightening information as to how a representative's religious faith or basic ideology can truly shape legislation.
In light of former Vice President Al Gore's call to address Global Warming (he is still undecided as to whether he will run again), many in Congress are turning their attention to major environmental issues and alternative sources of energy. Republicans no longer hold the majority and Democrats are eager to take full advantage of implementing more ethical social justice programs.
The current turning tide to control gun violence in our schools as well as bringing our troops home from Iraq has introduced new problems for legislators to address such as how best to serve the needs of our physically and mentally wounded both in this country and abroad. We will be seeing a wide array of new legislation being introduced impacting homeland security (public versus privacy rights) or re-introduced such as those surrounding gun control (personal rights versus the public good).
SEN. JOSEPH LIEBERMAN (Independent-Conn. - Orthodox Jewish)
Everyone in Congress is familiar with Joe Lieberman's integrity and ethics. He is very committed to his faith and is often called upon to be the ethical spokesperson during times of crises. He was chosen as Al Gore's running mate during the 2004 Presidential elections. Among other Jewish notables in Congress are Barbara Boxer, Arlen Specter, Diane Feinstein, Charles Schumer and Ron Wyden. Joseph Lieberman most recently introduced a bill reducing cigarette litter in order to save wildlife and was in attendance at the National Commemoration of Days of Remembrance (Holocaust) on April 19, 2007. He is currently helping to introduce legislation which would cut US emissions due to green house gasses which he feels is our moral imperative, particularly since the US produces 30 percent of the world's pollution.
REP. MARY BONO (Rep. -California - Protestant/Scientologist)
Former wife of singer Sono Bono, Representative Bono has been instrumental in passing legislation which impacts California's diverse population. She has always been a bold spokeswoman for the interests of the underdog and was a strong vocal voice during former Pres. Clinton's impeachment hearings. She has currently introduced legislation to curtail arson in light of California's horrific wildfires. She has also questioned the FAA recently with regard to air travel regulations and takes an interest in other consumer protections such as discriminatory cell phone taxes.
REP. JOHN TIERNEY (Dem.-Mass. - Unspecified)
Despite listing no religious affiliation, Representative Tierney has been an instrumental force in the subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Relations. He introduced the "Wounded Warriers Act" HR 1538, after touring various veteran's hospitals. He also sponsored the College Affordability and Accountability Act, and most recently joined with Arlen Specter (Rep.-PA.) to introduce legislation to reform financing of Congressional elections.
REP. EARL BLUMENAUER (Dem.-Oregon - Unspecified)
Receiving his law degree from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, he went on to become a key figure in environmental legislation. He has introduced the Legal Timber Protection Act, and served on the subcommittee for Energy Independence and Global Warming. He is currently introducing legislation to protect valuable water resources. The fact that he has not designated a specific religious preference in his credentials does not seem to diminish in the least his commitment to public land planning practices.
