"More and more individuals (are) delaying marriage if they get married at all, and even more striking, a massive decline in the number of babies being born," Emma Waters, a policy analyst at Heritage Foundation, told CBN News. "So typically, the replacement rate should sit around 2.1 for a country to actually be replacing itself effectively, and yet in the United States today, that number has continued to decline year after year."

Waters, a co-author of the "Saving America by Saving the Family" study, believes the only way forward for America is a society re-committed to the institution of marriage. 

"We should stop punishing married families in the United States through welfare penalties and other marriage penalties," said Waters. "We should start supporting the American family through a host of multifaceted approaches."

One approach the study suggests would be financial, such as a $2,500 bonus for newly married couples.

"This would be called the 'Nest Fund' or the 'Newlywed Early Starter Plan for American Families,'" explained Waters. "The second would be taking something similar to the adoption tax credit, which is about $17,000, and transferring that to American families, all American families who are having children."

It is a proposal that comes as more young Americans lack interest in tying the knot.

According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2023, 67 percent of twelfth graders expressed they would likely choose to get married someday, down from 80 percent in 1993. And 24 percent don't know if they'll get married, up from 16 percent.

To counter that trend, the "Saving America by Saving the Family" report encourages a marriage boot camp for struggling families.

Waters commented, "What would it look like if we actually channeled all of our federal programs towards the singular message that marriage is good and that it's very hard and we want to provide whatever resources we can to support you?"

She added, "The long-term impact of that is that you do see couples who would under undergo this marriage boot camp having longer, healthier marriages or maybe getting married in the first place where they hadn't before." (Image: Pixabay)

A uniform Day of Rest for American Workers is also on the list, an idea that would build upon Blue laws that limit alcohol sales in some states.

"We recognize that one of the most important aspects of being human is not only working hard and working diligently, but having a day set apart where you can unplug from the regular grind of the work week and simply be present to rest, to be with your family, to worship if you are a religious person, and to really reconnect with yourself and with your values," said Waters.

It is her hope that the federal government will seriously consider these recommendations to refocus politics around saving and supporting the American family.

"There is simply no greater good to invest in, and that should be our top priority," Waters said. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Charlene Aaron serves as a general assignment reporter, news anchor, co-host of The 700 Club.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

How China Is Poisoning America With Parkinson's

455 People Charged for $6.5B In Health Care Fraud Schemes, Says Acting AG Todd Blanche

US Senate Passes Landmark Bipartisan Housing Bill, Sends to House

Foreign-born, Biden-appointed Federal Judge Declares That Common-Sense Election Integrity Is Illegal

Trans-Identifying Democrat Goes to Prison for Sex Crimes against Children

California Democrat Lawmaker Says Christians Cannot Claim Rainbow

Major League Baseball Admits They Mistreated Christian Players, after Senator Hawley, DOJ Get Involved

After Second Win in World Cup, US Men's Team Prays on the Field, Honoring God

'Incredible' Archaeological Discovery Reveals Jewish Connection to Jerusalem's Ancient History

DOJ to Investigate MLB's Threat to Discipline Players for Bible Verses on 'Pride' Hats

Children's Hospital Doctors Refuse to Perform 'Gender Transition' Mutilation on Kids Despite Liberal Court Order

Former Olympian among Several Sick Leftists Arrested for Vandalizing DC Reflecting Pool

Another One! Colombia Does the RIGHT Thing. Now on to Brazil

Amid Conflicting US-Iran Messages, Trump Threatens Force against Iran if It Doesn't Stop Hezbollah in Lebanon

PM Keir Starmer Announces Resignation; How the British Labour Party Resembles American Democrats

AMERICAN SOUNDTRACK: Singer-Songwriter Kaylin Roberson Honors Father and 250 Years of Brave Soldiers in Stirring Ballad 'So I Didn't Have To' (Video)

America of 1976 Would Not Recognize Herself in Our 250th Year

Baseball Players Refuse to Wear Pride Uniforms, Forced to Forfeit

Canada: Carney Liberals Move to 'Force' Radical Internet Surveillance Bill through House

Belfast Is Burning, and the Media Won't Say Why