[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 98 (Monday, July 24, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PLEDGE PROTECTION ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. DENNIS MOORE

                               of kansas

                    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:

  Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, on July 19, 2006, I voted against 
H.R. 2389, the Pledge Protection Act of 2005.
  The American flag is a symbol of liberty and justice, of freedom of 
speech and expression, as well as the other freedoms we cherish which 
are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. But even more important than the 
symbol are the ideals and principles that the symbol represents. I 
believe the best way to honor the American flag is not to wrap 
ourselves in it, but to respect and honor the values for which it 
stands. That our Nation can tolerate disrespect for our flag is proof 
of the enduring strength of our Nation. It is proof to me that ours is 
the greatest nation on earth.
  I served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. I know how deeply our 
veterans love and revere our flag. I share those feelings for our flag 
and all that it represents.
  Our democracy has withstood many tests over time, and has been 
strengthened as a result. There is no more important protection 
provided by the First Amendment than its protection of political speech 
and expression.
  In a letter to Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont dated May 18, 1999, 
former Secretary of State (then General) Colin L. Powell wrote to 
express his concerns regarding a constitutional amendment banning flag 
burning: ``The First Amendment exists to insure that freedom of speech 
and expression applies not just to that with which we agree or 
disagree, but also that which we find outrageous. I would not amend 
that great shield of democracy to hammer a few miscreants. The flag 
will still be flying proudly long after they have slunk away. . . . If 
I were a member of Congress, I would not vote for the proposed 
amendment. . . . ''
  I agree wholeheartedly with Colin Powell's statement, and believe it 
applies here as well. The Pledge of Allegiance is an invaluable part of 
our national heritage, but we must also bear in mind the immeasurable 
significance of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
  Finally, I have deep concerns about current efforts to deny the 
Federal courts, including the Supreme Court, the ability to review the 
constitutionality of our Federal laws. I believe preserving our three-
branch system of government is in our Nation's best interest.

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