[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 97 (Friday, July 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PLEDGE PROTECTION ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2389) to 
     amend title 28, United States Code, with respect to the 
     jurisdiction of Federal courts over certain cases and 
     controversies involving the Pledge of Allegiance:

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 
2389, the so-called Pledge Protection Act. H.R. 2389 would strip all 
Federal courts, including the Supreme Court, of their ability to hear 
cases involving the Pledge of Allegiance.
  The Pledge of Allegiance is a true expression of liberty and justice 
for all--cornerstones of our great Nation. However, H.R. 2389 would 
punish those who exercise that freedom. Basic due process demands an 
independent judicial forum capable of determining Federal 
constitutional rights. This legislation deprives the Federal courts of 
their ability to hear cases involving the fundamental free speech 
rights of students, parents, and other individuals. In our Country, 
dissenting views are supposed to be valued, allowed and tolerated. To 
take away this fundamental freedom of expression is to dishonor America 
and all Americans.
  At this time when American soldiers continue to die every day in 
Iraq, with the Taliban and Al Qaeda making gains in Afghanistan, when 
millions of Americans are suffering because the minimum wage has not 
been raised in almost a decade, when millions more lack any health care 
coverage, and when gas prices are skyrocketing, the Republican majority 
has decided that the House should instead debate a bill that is 
unnecessary and, if passed, would only serve to undermine our 
democracy.
  I am not afraid of those Americans who oppose parts of the Pledge 
having an opportunity to express those views. Healthy, controversial 
debates and a free society able to challenge the status quo are what 
make our country so strong and so great. What is scary are those who 
seek to use bills, such as the one before us today, to advance their 
ideology at the expense of freedom and liberty. That is something we 
should all oppose in the strongest terms.
  As Members of Congress we owe our constituents better. I urge my 
colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 2389.

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