[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 119 (Thursday, September 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         INTRODUCTION OF THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA ACT

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                            HON. TODD TIAHRT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2006

  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak about an important 
piece of legislation I am introducing, the Sons and Daughters of 
America Act.
  Families who have suffered the loss of a loved one are not able to 
grieve in peace with dignity and respect because of people who want 
more than freedom of speech. They want taxpayers' compensation for 
their legal fees when they challenge local, State and Federal laws. 
``We're going to get rich off the stuff they're doing. This is finger-
lickin' good,'' one protestor said.
  It is appalling that people would profit at the cost of the honorable 
men and women who have served our country with courage and valor. We 
should all be offended by their actions and take away any opportunity 
for financial compensation. Families should be allowed to grieve in 
peace.
  Many States have been forced to pass legislation to ban the picketing 
and protesting of funerals, including military funerals, because of 
protestors who refuse families the right to mourn in peace. A protestor 
from my home State of Kansas sued city and state officials and was 
awarded a total of $217,000 in attorney's fees.
  That is why I am introducing the Sons and Daughters of America Act, 
which will provide legal protection against frivolous lawsuits directed 
at statutes prohibiting picketing at military and other funerals. We 
already have Son of Sam laws to ensure that murderers cannot profit off 
of their crimes. Unfortunately, it's come to the point where we need to 
ensure that those who violate the sanctity of mourning cannot profit 
from their callousness.
  I am proud to introduce today the Sons and Daughters of America Act 
and ask my colleagues to support this bill.

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