After a number of high-profile incidents in which Democrats left the words “So help me God” off of the oaths they administered to witnesses in front of their House committees — accidentally, theoretically, and purposely — Republicans are filing legislation that would force them to use the religious phrase in the oaths.

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) has filed House Resolution 110, requiring witnesses to go through with the godly ritual:

Resolved, That clause 2(m)(2) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives is amended by striking “may administer oaths to witnesses” and inserting “shall administer the following oath to witnesses: ‘Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony that you are about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?’”.

He already has 17 co-sponsors — all Republicans.

As I’ve said before, this is absurd and unnecessary. Witnesses shouldn’t be mentioning God in their oaths. They’re not obligated to please God during a hearing. They’re supposed to be committed to the truth, while politicians are sworn to uphold the Constitution. If you need God to scare you into not lying, as these Republicans apparently think, there are bigger problems in play.

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