[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 10]
[House]
[Page 13517]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                            PROTECT THE FLAG

  (Mr. CUNNINGHAM asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, let us talk about something positive 
that both Republicans and Democrats are going to do today and that is 
pass the flag protection amendment.
  Sixteen years ago, a difference of one vote, the Supreme Court by one 
vote erased 200 years of tradition that our forefathers set to protect 
our flag. Who supports it? In May, 81 percent of the American people 
supported this amendment; 146, all the veterans organizations, many of 
them here today, first responders, police, fire, our military men and 
women; all 50 States have ratified resolutions saying that they will 
ratify when this amendment passes.
  We have 300 signatures. This bill passed by 300 votes; and for the 
first time we have a chance, an opportunity to pass it in the Senate.
  Some claim that it impinges on the first amendment. It does not. 
There are some of my colleagues that will oppose this amendment. They 
are honorable men, but the supermajority oppose their position. Take a 
look and ask the men and women at Walter Reed or Bethesda, ask the 
police and fire that stood on top of the Trade Center and ask them and 
they will tell you. Help pass this amendment today.

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