House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) says that he routinely prays for divine guidance before casting his vote in Congress. “When I cast votes, I pray to God,” Scalise said at a Family Research Council (FRC) event in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, adding that he considers prayer to be an essential part of his legislative decision-making process.

He voted in favor of the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act” which passed the House 242 to 184 on May 13. The bill would ban abortions after five months of pregnancy. “Life is a part of our core belief as Republicans,” he explained.

Scalise described abortion as an impediment to American principles, noting that there is scientific evidence that a fetus can feel pain after five months in a womb. He was also the lead author of a 2004 constitutional amendment in the state of Louisiana that defined marriage as between one man and one woman, which was approved by 78 percent of Louisiana voters.

Scalise told the FRC audience that Americans should never forget that the Founding Fathers had a strong belief in God, and that this faith is still alive in Washington. “For those that say there should be a separation of church and state, every single morning when Congress is in session, we say a prayer,” he pointed out.

Right above where the President stands, there is a huge sign, ‘In God We Trust,’” Scalise continued, adding that the House chamber is lined with figures of historic lawmakers, but that the only one portrayed by a full bust is Moses. “Our nation was founded with a belief that these powers were given to us by God,” the third most powerful Republican in the House said, warning that America will lose its liberty if it abandons its faith in God.