Before And After 1957

'In God We Trust' was adopted as the official motto of the United States in 1956.  The phrase first appeared on U.S. coins in 1864 and on U.S. currency in 1957.
The phrase was placed on coins because of heightened religious fervor during the Civil War.  On July 11, 1954, just a month after the phrase 'under God' was inserted into the Pledge of Allegiance, the U. S. Congress enacted Public Law 84-140 which required the motto to be placed on all coins and currency.  The law was approved by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on July 30, 1956, and the motto was progressively added to paper money.  The phrase was, by law, declared the national motto.

So there goes any semblance that there will ever again if there ever was to begin with separation between church and state.
I get that.  What I don't get is why Congress wasted time voting to reemphasize that this motto appears on all United States coins and currency after all of that was said and done in the 1950s.  Why indeed when our bridges are collapsing, our roads are crumbling, and the hope for better times crumbling.