RSC Unveils Framework to Restore the American Family

WASHINGTON – Today, the Republican Study Committee released a framework of principles to restore the American family. These economic and social principles will be the foundation of a pro-family conservative agenda when Republicans win back the House majority.

You can find a PDF copy of the Family Principles Initiative here.

Chairman Jim Banks said:"The root of many of our nation's greatest challenges is the rapid erosion of strong families. By empowering parents and investing in America's children, we allow prosperity for future generations. If we want to protect and strengthen our nation, conservatives in Congress must be committed to promoting a pro-family agenda when Republicans win back the House."

Rep. Mike Johnson said: "The strength of our country is dependent on the strength of our families. Today, we are seeing the results of decades of failed policies as marriage and birth rates decline, and parents struggle to provide for their families. We must reverse these trends and restore the foundations of our society, and this should be a priority for conscientious policymakers moving forward."

Rep. Brian Babin said: "The Federal Government should be working to strengthen American families, but it's done the opposite. We must fight to empower our parents, protect our children, and ensure our families have the tools necessary to thrive without government interference."

Rep. Michael Guest said: "On my first day in office, I made a promise to work hard every day to make our nation a better place to live, worship, and raise a family. Families are the cornerstone of American prosperity, faith, and culture, which is why we must promote the conservative values that have supported strong families throughout our history. I'm proud to sign this pledge to restore American Family Principles to promote family values, create community, and empower parents and caregivers — not Progressive politicians — to make decisions about the welfare of their children."

Rep. Rick Allen said: "Parents want choice on how to raise their family and the education their children receive, and we must reject a top down, one-size-fits-all government approach. The American family is the greatest economic engine that God has ever created, and we must do all we can to ensure that our families have the support they need to thrive."

American Principles Project, Eagle Forum, and the Faith & Freedom Coalition support the Republican Study Committee's Family Policy initiative. Additional comments and support are below:

Craig DeRoche, President and CEO of Family Policy Alliance said: "Under the current Administration, American families are struggling. Parents are being forced to defend their rights and fight radical ideologies in their children's schools. Female athletes are being forced to give up their opportunities to males in favor of a political agenda. And preborn children are not yet fully protected under the law. American families deserve better. Family Policy Alliance strongly supports the Republican Study Committee's Family Policy Initiative. This Initiative is foundational in rebuilding an America where families flourish. We urge Congress to implement policies aligned with this vision, and we look forward to the day when America's families do not just survive, they thrive."

Patrick T. Brown, Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center said: "The family is the cornerstone of a healthy society, and the Republican Study Committee is laying down a significant marker for what a pro-family conservative policy vision should look like. The 10 pillars that make up this document lay out key principles for addressing the economic, social, and cultural trends impacting American families. Fleshing these principles out into legislative text should be a cornerstone of Republican efforts to strengthen family life."

Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform said: "The RSC's Family Policy Initiative contains several important pillars to help reduce the government's ability to intrude in the lives of American families. For instance, the initiative proposes ending marriage penalties in the tax code, calls for welfare reform that helps lift families out of poverty and gives parents control over their children's education by allowing them the allocate Pre-K and K-12 education dollars in a way that best fits their needs. These proposals should be applauded and supported by all lawmakers that want to reform the federal government and protect taxpayers."

CatholicVote said: "Congressman Banks and his team deserve a lot of credit for laying out an agenda that is pro-life and pro-family and also understands that the true power in any child's life lies with their parents. This is a winning plan and we look forward to working with the RSC in making it a reality next Congress."

Coalition for Jewish Values said: "Judaism recognizes the family as the bedrock structure of civilization, and education as a Biblical obligation placed upon parents and which must be conducted under parental authority. We support the RSC Family Policy Initiative as a significant step to uphold these values."

Matt Schlapp, CPAC Chairman said: "This country cannot continue for long if we do not restore and strengthen families. Maybe that is why the socialist Left has been devaluing families and fetuses at break-neck speed. We have the greatest country in history, but we are at risk of throwing it all away if we do not get our priorities straight. We at the Conservative Political Action Coalition support the Republican Study Committee for laying out sound principles which reject the far-Left's one-size-fits-all big government approach to childcare, education, and welfare. America is only as strong as the families that make up this great nation."

American Association of Christian Schools said: "The AACS is grateful for the clear expression of the important principles contained in the RSC Family Policy Framework. For far too long, our politics have given short shrift to the essential aspects of family and community building which, until recent decades, have been hallmarks of our unique American republic. A law and culture which encourages strong families has always been and will always be what makes our country free, prosperous, and strong. We look forward to seeing how good policy initiatives developed under this framework will shape the future laws under which American families may thrive."

Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life Action said: "Throughout the last five decades, American society has tragically devalued children and families, resulting in the deaths of 63 million innocent preborn children. When Roe v. Wade is reversed, and we are hopeful that it will be soon, Students for Life Action recognizes that we must build a healthy, life-affirming society that values both women and their children - born and preborn. Policies like creating flexible work and childcare accommodations for parents, empowering parental involvement in education, improving foster care and adoption, incentivizing marriage, supporting mothers facing unexpected pregnancies, and protecting innocent preborn lives are all vital elements for rebuilding the foundation of American society - strong, healthy families."

On Pillar #3…

ParentalRights.org said: "We are pleased that the RSC's Family Policy Initiative Pillar 3 proclaims that parents - not government officials - are the best qualified people to make decisions about the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of their children. This recognizes what the U.S. Supreme Court has consistently held since 1923 - that parental rights are a fundamental right, given to us by God, and protected by the U.S. Constitution. The best way to protect children is by empowering parents, and we applaud the RSC's Family Policy Initiative for doing exactly that."

On Pillar #7…

Corey A. DeAngelis, Ph.D., National Director of Research, American Federation for Children said: "School choice is the only way to truly secure parental rights in education. Funding students directly empowers families to choose the education providers that best meet their needs and align with their values. At the same time, allowing families to vote with their feet incentivizes government-run schools to up their game and focus on the basics as opposed to politically divisive concepts. School choice is a rising tide that lifts all boats. Education funding is meant for educating children, not for protecting a particular institution. We should fund students, not systems."

On Pillar #10…

Jeanne F. Mancini, President, March for Life Action said: "We are thankful to Chairman Banks along with his RSC colleagues for their dedication to building a culture of life in America, and calling for life affirming policies that protect both mothers and children. As we await the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, it is critical now more than ever that we work together toward a future where equal protection for every American – born and unborn – is not only recognized but celebrated."

Carol Tobias, President of NRLC said: "We are pleased that the RSC has included protecting innocent preborn children and their mothers as part of its Family Policy Initiative. This is a critical feature to enhancing respect for, and the dignity of, all human life."

Hon. Marilyn Musgrave, Vice President of Government Affairs, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America said: "SBA Pro-Life America is grateful for the thoughtful and proactive work of the Republican Study Committee and RSC Chairman Jim Banks, shown in their Family Policy Initiative. At a time when Roe v. Wade is being reconsidered by the Supreme Court, RSC's pillar supporting efforts to end abortion—by making it both illegal and unthinkable—could not be more timely. While the Biden-Harris administration is working to implement policies that destroy unborn life, pro-life members of Congress are working to empower women and their babies."