Steve Southerland on Principles & Values

Member of the Tea Party movement.

The Tea Party movement is a populist conservative social movement in the United States that emerged in 2009 through a series of locally and nationally coordinated protests. The protests were partially in response to several Federal laws: the stimulus package; te healthcare bill; and the TARP bailouts. The name "Tea Party" refers to the Boston Tea Party of 1773, the source of the phrase, "No Taxation Without Representation."

Designate first weekend in May as Ten Commandments Weekend.

Expressing support for designation of the first weekend of May as Ten Commandments Weekend to recognize the significant contributions the Ten Commandments have made in shaping the principles, institutions, and national character of the United States.

• Whereas from the founding days of the United States, the Ten Commandments have been part of the Nation's basic cultural fabric;
• Whereas the Ten Commandments are a widely respected code of personal conduct and a declaration of fundamental principles for a fair and just society that transcend the diversity of cultural expression and faith in the United States;
• Whereas images of the Ten Commandments are prominently displayed in many Federal buildings, such as the US Supreme Court, National Archives, and Library of Congress; and
• Whereas in addition to being understood as an elemental source for US law, the Ten Commandments have become a recognized symbol in the Nation's culture:

Now, therefore, be it
1. Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
2. supports the designation of Ten Commandments Weekend;
3. celebrates the significant role the Ten Commandments have played in the development of significant public and private institutions of the US; and
4. encourages citizens of all faiths and religious persuasions to reflect on the important impact that the Ten Commandments have had on the people and national character of the US.