[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2868]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        IN FAVOR OF THE SOLOMON AMENDMENT SUPREME COURT DECISION

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                            HON. STEVE BUYER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2006

  Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the March 6 Supreme Court Decision 
in favor of the Solomon Amendment. This decision brings resolution to a 
period of time in which students seeking military careers have been 
denied equal access to their career of choice due to the political 
climates and cultures of the institutions in which they receive their 
education.
  My commendation goes to the United States Supreme Court's prudent 
action in siding with Congress to uphold this vital legislation. Even 
in this time of great sacrifice when our men and women in uniform are 
engaged in defeating the forces of tyranny and terror, some have 
neither masked nor disguised their loathing of the American military. A 
blatant disregard and violation of the basic principles of free speech 
and right to association has been demonstrated by these institutions. I 
feel it pertinent to add that Congress never asked for anything other 
than equal access for military recruiters. We simply ask the same 
access as that given to any other employer.
  It has been argued that the less fortunate carry the burden of 
military service.
  This decision of the Supreme Court in fact levels the playing field. 
It guarantees students at higher educational institutions have equal 
access to military service for our great nation. This decision could 
not have come at a more important time. Today's cultural tone places so 
much emphasis on receiving benefits rather than on service to our 
country. A lack of military recruiters on campus would only continue to 
erode the consciousness of the people about the pride of military 
service and our obligation in defense of America. I would be remiss not 
to mention that such access to military recruiters is a cornerstone of 
our successful all-volunteer force.
  Colleagues, our Constitutional obligation was clearly laid out. 
Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution states, ``that Congress shall 
have the power to . . . raise and support Armies, . . . to provide and 
maintain a Navy, . . . and to provide for organizing, arming and 
disciplining the Militia.'' I once again commend the Supreme Court in 
helping us uphold the Constitution of the United States of America.

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