Rep. Debbie Dingell, a Democrat on the House Committee on Natural Resources, said Wednesday she expects language referring to God will remain in the oath witnesses take before their testimony and called the controversy a distraction.
"My understanding is there is not a requirement that language be in there," the Michigan lawmaker told Fox News' "America's Newsroom."
"A Republican suggested it be added back in and the chair of the committee will add it back in."
Dingell said it's her full intent to vote to restore the God reference and "let us put this issue behind us," but as a "Catholic girl," she does consider the language important.
"I think people are trying to cause some trouble here to divert, rather than focusing on what we'll do about healthcare, preexisting conditions," said Dingell.
The proposed change, if approved, would replace "so help you God" with the words "under penalty of law," according to Fox News.
Dingell also commented on the ongoing negotiations on border security, denying contentions that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is out of step with her party.
"She kept the caucus together in terms of saying let's get the government reopened and then we'll negotiate," said Dingell.
"I don't think there is anybody that wants to see a repeat of what we just saw. I trust the conferees on both sides and am optimistic we'll get a strong package coming out of this conference.
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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