[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 86 (Friday, June 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1334]]
  CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AUTHORIZING CONGRESS TO PROHIBIT PHYSICAL 
              DESECRATION OF THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 2005

  Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I attended the funeral 
of Congressman J.J. ``Jake'' Pickle--a former member of the House who 
represented the 10th District of Texas for 31 years. As the current 
representative of the 10th District of Texas, it was my duty to pay 
homage to Congressman Pickle who gave so much to Texas and his 
constituents.
  In doing so, I was absent for legislative business on the floor, and 
missed the opportunity to vote in favor of an amendment to the 
Constitution to prevent the desecration of the flag. As an original 
cosponsor of this amendment, I would have voted ``yes'' to preserve the 
ultimate icon of American values.
  Since 1994, there have been 119 instances of reported flag burning or 
desecration in the United States, but just one occurrence of this 
should be reason enough to outlaw this heinous act.
  All 50 States have enacted resolutions asking Congress to pass a flag 
protection amendment, and an overwhelming majority of the American 
people have consistently supported the protection of our flag. 
Accordingly, the House has passed a flag protection amendment by more 
than the \2/3\ majority needed in 5 separate Congresses.
  Countless men and women, including my father, who are all heroes, 
have served under the glory of its stars and bars and died to ensure 
its spirit, and desecrating our flag is a desecration of their 
contribution to America. The American flag serves as the world's most 
recognized symbol of freedom and democracy, and should be given the 
appropriate respect and protection.

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