Parents deserve to know what their children are watching. That should not be  controversial. 

As a Christian, a father, and a grandfather, I believe God entrusted parents, not government, with the responsibility of raising children. Scripture teaches us to train our children in the way they should go, and that responsibility belongs first and foremost to moms and dads. 

Government should always protect that right, not undermine it.

Recently, 68 radical House Democrats urged the Federal Communications Commission to oppose efforts that would provide families with greater transparency about the content in children’s television programming. At a time when parents are asking for more information so they can make informed decisions for their families, some in Washington would rather side with activists and media companies than with America’s parents.

I disagree.

This debate is not about banning television shows or telling people what they can watch. It is about giving parents the information they need before they press play. Transparency empowers families to decide what aligns with the values they are working every day to instill in their children.

For generations, parents have relied on television ratings to identify violence, strong language, or sexual material. As children’s programming continues to change, parents deserve the same level of transparency about other sensitive themes. They cannot make informed decisions if they are intentionally kept in the dark.

The American people understand that. 

According to polling commissioned by Concerned Women for America, an overwhelming majority of parents want television ratings to notify them of violence, sexual content, or other sensitive themes like LGBTQ messaging or characters. That is not a partisan position. It is common sense.

Unfortunately, too many in Washington believe parents should simply trust government agencies, Hollywood executives, and corporate media to determine what is appropriate for America’s children. I believe parents know their children far better than any bureaucrat or CEO ever will.

Strong families are the foundation of a strong nation. When we weaken the authority of parents, we weaken the very institutions that have sustained our country for generations. Protecting parental rights is not just good policy. It reflects the truth that families, not government, are the building blocks of a free society.

I was proud to lead a letter with 45 of my Republican colleagues reaffirming this simple principle – parents come first. 

I will continue fighting to protect the God-given rights of parents, defend the family, and ensure that moms and dads, not Washington bureaucrats or special interests, have the final say in raising the next generation.