Republican Congressman Sam Johnson recently introduced legislation that would force cadets at the Air Force Academy to acknowledge God in their swearing-in oaths. He said air force cadets must say the phrase “so help me God” while reciting their oaths because Americans do not have freedom from religion.

The proposed bill, titled Preserve and Protect God in Military Oaths Act of 2015, would apparently protect the religious freedom that was originally guaranteed to American troops.

“Our Constitution’s very First Amendment protects every individual’s freedom of religion. But our servicemen and women who protect our county with their lives are seeing that freedom under fire,” Johnson said in a statement.

In 2013, the United States Air Force Academy announced that cadets would no longer be required to say “so help me God” in their Honour Oath, if the phrase conflicted with their personal views.

The oath, recited by cadets at the start of every school year, reads as follows:

“We will not lie, steal or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does. Furthermore, I resolve to do my duty and to live honorably, so help me God.”

Johnson said the Air Force Academy was compelled to make the end of the oath optional for cadets after being wrongfully pressured by one radical atheist group but now that must be undone.

“Let me be clear: Americans have the freedom of religion – but not freedom from religion. That’s why I am introducing legislation that requires Congressional approval before any change would be made to military oaths. The moral foundation of our country is in serious danger if we allow radical groups to dictate whether or not we can freely express our religious beliefs! It’s time to take a stand.”

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