[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 24, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8124-S8126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. ALLEN (for himself and Mr. Warner):
  S. 1225. A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to redesign 
the $1 bill so as to incorporate the preamble to the Constitution of 
the United States, the Bill of Rights, and a list of the Articles of 
the Constitution on the reverse side of such currency; to the Committee 
on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Liberty Bill 
Act, which directs the United States Treasury to print an abridged 
Constitution with the titles of salient articles and amendments of the 
Constitution of the United States on the back of our one dollar bill. 
Indeed, the redesign of a Ten, Twenty, Fifty or 100 dollar bill could 
incorporate this goal.
  This important and innovative legislation is designed to educate, 
encourage and promote the understanding of the fundamental principles, 
the concept of self-government, free will and the protection of 
individual rights, of the United States for all Americans and people 
around the world who may use U.S. currency.
  I believe that it is most fitting that the idea for the Liberty Bill 
Act began in a classroom in Liberty Middle School, in Ashland VA, and 
carried forth by students at Patrick Henry High School in Hanover 
County, VA, by students who wanted to do something good for this 
country and its democratic principles.
  A little more than three years ago at Virginia's Poor Farm Park's 
amphitheatre, 170 students, representing Liberty Middle School, recited 
the abridged Constitution as part of a school project. The so-called 
Liberty Bill project left them with a deeper appreciation of the 
Constitution and how important it is that we, as Americans, fully 
understand our heritage and the principles of freedom, justice and 
liberty. And, fortunately for the rest of us, the Liberty Bill project 
also left them with the desire to communicate this appreciation to all 
Americans and to all people worldwide.
  I am proud to say that these students did not simply stop their 
education at this juncture. Instead, they worked with their teacher, 
Mr. Randy Wright, to create a proposal that would serve as a reminder 
of our rights and responsibilities as citizens of the United States.
  After careful thought and consideration, the students decided that 
putting the thoughts of our Constitution on the back of the dollar 
bill, something that passes through the hands of millions of people 
around the world every day, would serve as the powerful reminder of how 
important the Constitution is to our representative democracy.

[[Page S8125]]

  In addition, the newly revised dollar bill would teach the progress 
of American history, highlighting amendments that were added to the 
Constitution as our nation evolved into the free and prosperous global 
leader it is today. For example, despite a strong belief in what some 
termed the ``inherent and unalienable rights of man,'' the fledgling 
American government did not protect the individual rights and liberties 
of all Americans. In fact, it was not until 1865, upon the adoption of 
amendment XIII, slavery was abolished and all races were guaranteed 
their freedom under the law.
  In addition, the right to vote and have a say in one's government and 
the policies that affect everyday life, was not extended to all 
Americans. In fact, only white men could vote until amendment XV, 
proclaimed in 1870, provided that all men could vote, regardless of 
their race or status as a former slave. Later, in 1920, amendment XIX 
rightfully extended suffrage to all of America's people, securing the 
right of women to have a voice in our government as well. For a 
representative democracy is not truly representative until all people 
are heard.
  Referencing constitutional amendments, such as amendments XIII, XV, 
and XIX on our dollar bill, would help to highlight not only the 
adaptive qualities of our Constitution and its ability to reflect an 
increasingly enlightened awareness of the rights of all people, but 
teach us to appreciate and value these freedoms and rights as 
Americans.
  The Constitution of the United States is one of the most important 
documents in all of history. Yet in this day and age many Americans do 
not even know all the rights and protections enshrined in the first ten 
amendments, our Bill of Rights. Many Americans fail to recognize the 
Constitution as framework of the United States government and its 
impact on our government and prosperity as a nation of free people.
  The dollar bill is the most used and most recognized currency in the 
world, every day it pass through the hands of millions of people around 
the world. And, as the students of Liberty Middle School asked 
themselves three years ago: ``What better way than to highlight the 
Constitution and promote the ideals and values it represents than 
putting the principles it embodies on the back of the dollar bill?''
  Every day I come across adults who complain that they are powerless 
to affect our political process or laws. They claim that even their 
vote will not make a difference.
  Yet, a group of middle school students, through their commitment and 
determination, have persevered.
  In just three years these students have taken up the challenge to 
help ensure every American understands the basic precepts of our 
treasured Constitution. This group of students developed a plan to 
reach this goal. They have gained media coverage and the endorsement of 
editorialists nationwide and their local governments, receiving acclaim 
from such notables as the Wall Street Journal and CNN News, although, I 
have to believe that one of the most notable endorsements of all was 
from a middle school student named Jessie, who said of the Liberty Bill 
project: ``A fantastic learning experience, the Liberty Bill has 
inspired me to pursue politics like never before.''
  Because of their work and dedication, the impact of the Liberty Bill 
project on the education of our students can be felt nationwide. A 
remarkable 21 schools, representing seven states, have also joined 
their effort, ranging from Bedwell Elementary School in New Jersey and 
Festus High School in Festus, MO, to Dickinson High School in North 
Dakota and Newcastle Middle School in Wyoming.
  The students have taken their effort all the way to Capitol Hill. The 
Liberty Bill Act, H.R. 903, introduced in the 106th Congress eventually 
secured 107 consponsors and was supported by leadership on both sides 
of the aisle, including Speaker Hastert, Majority Leader Armey, 
Majority Whip DeLay, and Minority Leader Gephardt. In addition, eight 
Committee Chairmen and 3 Ranking Members endorsed the Liberty Bill 
proposal. I am confident that under the guidance of Congressman Cantor, 
the Liberty Bill will enjoy even more success during the 107th Congress 
in the House of Representatives and I am looking forward to working 
with my colleagues to secure the Liberty Bill's success in the Senate.
  Last February, I had the opportunity to attend a Liberty Bill Project 
presentation performed by students from the Patrick Henry High School 
of Ashland, VA. I cannot tell you how encouraging it is to see a group 
of young people who really get, who realize how important a full 
understanding of our Constitution is and the values it represents. Not 
only was this presentation one of the most wholesome and inspirational 
I have seen, it convinced me that the Liberty Bill Project is an 
exemplary way of capturing our imagination and providing a major 
contribution toward our understanding of our Constitution, history, and 
form of government.
  Therefore, it is my privilege to stand here today, joining my 
colleague in the House of Representatives, Congressman Eric Cantor, and 
introduce the companion legislation in the Senate. I am proud to act as 
a representative for the hard work and dedication of our students and 
support their efforts to teach all Americans about the importance of 
the values and principles embodied by our Constitution.
  Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the fine 
efforts of the students of Liberty Middle School and their teacher, Mr. 
Randy Wright. Their success is a lesson to all of us, demonstrating 
that with initiative and hard work we can easily, positively educate 
Americans.
  Thomas Jefferson once said, ``If a Nation expects to be ignorant and 
free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never 
will be.'' This remarkable group of young people has shown all of us 
what can be accomplished through dedication, creativity and a desire to 
do what has not been done before.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 1225

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Liberty Dollar Bill Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       The Congress finds that--
       (1) many Americans are unaware of the provisions of the 
     Constitution of the United States, one of the most remarkable 
     and important documents in world history;
       (2) a version of this important document, consisting of the 
     preamble, a list of the Articles, and the Bill of Rights, 
     could easily be placed on the reverse side of the $1 Federal 
     reserve note;
       (3) the placement of this version of the Constitution on 
     the $1 Federal reserve note, a unit of currency used daily by 
     virtually all Americans, would serve to remind people of the 
     historical importance of the Constitution and its impact on 
     their lives today; and
       (4) Americans would be reminded by the preamble of the 
     blessings of liberty, by the Articles, of the framework of 
     the Government, and by the Bill of Rights, of some of the 
     historical changes to the document that forms the very core 
     of the American experience.

     SEC. 3. REDESIGN OF REVERSE SIDE OF THE BILL.

       (a) In General.--Section 5114 of title 31, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(d) Liberty Dollar Bills.--
       ``(1) In general.--In addition to the requirements of 
     subsection (b) (relating to the inclusion of the inscription 
     `In God We Trust' on all United States currency) and the 
     eighth undesignated paragraph of section 16 of the Federal 
     Reserve Act, the design of the reverse side of the $1 Federal 
     reserve notes shall incorporate the preamble to the 
     Constitution of the United States, a list of the Articles of 
     the Constitution, and a list of the first 10 amendments to 
     the Constitution.
       ``(2) Design--Subject to paragraph (3), the preamble of the 
     Constitution of the United States, the list of the Articles 
     of the Constitution, and the first 10 amendments to the 
     Constitution shall appear on the reverse side of the $1 
     Federal reserve note, in such form as the Secretary deems 
     appropriate.
       ``(3) Authority of secretary.--The requirements of this 
     subsection shall not be construed as--
       ``(A) prohibiting the inclusion of any other inscriptions 
     or material on the reverse side of the $1 Federal reserve 
     note that the Secretary may determine to be necessary or 
     appropriate; or
       ``(B) limiting any other authority of the Secretary with 
     regard to the design of the $1 Federal reserve note, 
     including the adoption of any design features to deter the 
     counterfeiting of United States currency.''.

[[Page S8126]]

       (b) Date of Application.--The amendment made by subsection 
     (a) shall apply to $1 Federal reserve notes that are first 
     placed into circulation after December 31, 2001.

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I am deferring to my junior colleague from 
Virginia and am pleased to be an original cosponsor of legislation 
introduced by Senator Allen to place actual language from the 
Constitution on the back of the one dollar bill.
  This legislation is related to a bill I introduced last year based on 
the idea of students at Liberty Middle School in Ashland, Va. Working 
with their teacher, Randy Wright, this began as a school project 
several years ago. I commend these students and Mr. Wright for their 
continued dedication on seeing this idea realized.
  If you would think for a minute about the circulation of one dollar. 
it is fascinating to imagine how many people this message will reach, 
just how many hands a dollar will pass through even in just one year. 
Moreover, I believe this initiative exemplifies many of the principles 
laid out in the Constitution and the people's role in our government.
  The Constitution is our Nation's most noble achievement. It embodies 
the freedoms and liberties we enjoy as Americans, and gives value and 
meaning to the laws by which we live. I agree with the students of 
Liberty Middle School that the Constitution belongs to the people. It 
should be in their hands.
  I am pleased to support this important initiative.
                                   ____
                                 
      By Mr. CAMPBELL:
  S. 1226. A bill to require the display of the POW/MIA flag at the 
World War II memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the 
Vietnam Veterans Memorial; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I introduce the POW/MIA Memorial 
Flag Act of 2001. I am pleased to be joined by my friend and colleague 
Senator Allard as an original co-sponsor.
  I want to begin my statement today describing a powerful and 
emotional sight that moves us to the core of our faith and beliefs 
about America and about those who served in the Armed Forces of our 
Nation.
  Many of us have visited one or more of the military academies that 
train America's future military leaders. These academies have varied 
missions and yet all of them share in the critical task of developing 
leaders for their particular branch of service. On the grounds of each 
academy is a chapel, spectacular places that are easily identifiable as 
places of worship.
  In each chapel, a place has been reserved for those prisoners of war 
and the missing in action from each particular service. A pew has been 
set aside and marked by a candle, a powerful symbol that not all have 
returned from battle. These hallowed places have been set aside so that 
all POW's and MIA's are remembered with dignity and honor. It is a 
moving and emotional experience to pause at these reserved pews, to be 
encouraged by the burning candle, to recall the valor and sacrifice of 
those soldiers, sailors, marines, and pilots and to be inspired today 
by what they have done.
  Yes, I believe we can and should do more to honor the memory of all 
the POW's and MIA's who have so gallantly served our nation.
  Therefore, today I am introducing the POW/MIA Memorial Flag Act of 
2001. This act would require the display of the POW/MIA flag at the 
World War II Memorial, the Korea War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam 
Veterans Memorial, all here in the Nation's Capital, on any day on 
which the United States flag is displayed.
  Congress has officially recognized the POW/MIA flag. Displaying this 
flag would be a powerful symbol to all Americans that we have not 
forgotten, and will not forget.
  As my colleagues well know, the United States has fought in many 
wars, and thousands of Americans who served in those wars were captured 
by the enemy or listed as missing in action. In 20th century wars 
alone, more than 147,000 Americans were captured and became prisoners 
of war; of that number more than 15,000 died while in captivity. When 
we add to the number those who are still missing in action, we realize 
that more can be done to honor their commitment to duty, honor, and 
country.
  The display of the POW/MIA flag would be a forceful reminder that we 
care not only for them, but also for their families who personally 
carry with them the burden of sacrifice. We want them to know that they 
do not stand alone, that we stand with them and beside them, as they 
remember the loyalty and devotion of those who served.
  As a veteran who served in Korea, I personally know that the 
remembrance of another's sacrifice in battle is one of the highest and 
most noble acts we can do. Let us now demonstrate our indebtedness and 
gratitude for those who served that we might live in freedom.
  Just as those special reserved pews in the chapels of the military 
academies recall the spirit and presence of our POW's and MIA's, so too 
will the display of their flag over the World War II Memorial, the 
Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial be a 
special reminder that we have not forgotten, and will not forget. This 
coming September 21, 2001, is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. I 
invite my Senate colleagues to please join me in passing this bill by 
then to display the POW/MIA flag on this special day.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 1226

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``POW/MIA Memorial Flag Act of 
     2001''.

     SEC. 2. DISPLAY OF POW/MIA FLAG AT WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL, 
                   KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL, AND VIETNAM VETERANS 
                   MEMORIAL.

       (a) Requirement for Display.--Subsection (d)(3) of section 
     902 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     ``The Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans 
     Memorial'' and inserting ``The World War II memorial, the 
     Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans 
     Memorial''.
       (b) Days for Display.--Subsection (c)(2) of that section is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as 
     subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so 
     redesignated, the following new subparagraph (A):
       ``(A) in the case of display at the World War II memorial, 
     Korean War Veterans Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial 
     (required by subsection (d)(3) of this section), any day on 
     which the United States flag is displayed;''.
       (c) Display on Existing Flagpole.--No element of the United 
     States Government may construe the amendments made by this 
     section as requiring the acquisition of erection of a new or 
     additional flagpole for purposes of the display of the POW/
     MIA flag.
                                 ______