Nebraska Panhandle News

In a bipartisan effort to assert and protect the rights of parents, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) has joined forces with Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and James Lankford (R-OK) to introduce the Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act. The bill, which aims to affirm parents' fundamental right to control the upbringing of their children, seeks to prevent any infringement on this right by the federal government without first passing the strict scrutiny test.

Senator Ricketts expressed his concerns about the increasing use of federal regulations and courts by liberal activists to undermine parental rights. He emphasized the importance of families as the cornerstone of society and the need to ensure that parental rights are respected and protected by federal law. In his words, "This bill clarifies that respecting parental rights is in fact fundamental to any federal law."

Senator Scott echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that parents should be the primary decision-makers in their child's life, both in the classroom and at home. He highlighted the unfortunate reality that parents are often being pushed out of their children's lives, with the children paying the price. Senator Scott stated, "I'm fighting to put parents back in the driver's seat and ensure they remain the lead decision maker in their child's life."

Senator Lankford also stressed the importance of parental rights, stating that moms and dads have the right and responsibility to determine what is best for their children. He expressed concern about government overreach and the fear that good parents should not have to live with on a daily basis. Senator Lankford said, "Whenever parental rights are threatened by federal government overreach, families deserve a fair hearing before a court. The Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act preserves the rights of parents and restricts government overreach into our homes and families."

The Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act includes three main provisions. First, it affirms parents' fundamental right to direct the upbringing of their children. Second, it prevents the federal government from substantially burdening this fundamental right without first passing the strict scrutiny test. Finally, it allows parents to raise a violation of the Act as a claim or defense in judicial or administrative proceedings at the federal and state levels.

This bill aims to restore and protect the rights of parents to make decisions regarding the upbringing of their children. By affirming these rights and limiting government interference, the Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act seeks to ensure that parents are the primary authority in their child's life.

To read the full text of the Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act, click here.