[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12607]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               FLAG DESECRATION CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

  Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I rise today in opposition to a 
constitutional amendment that would ban flag burning and other acts of 
desecration.
  As I said during the recent debate on the Federal marriage amendment, 
I am very troubled by priorities put forth by the Senate majority. Our 
domestic programs are facing serious budget cuts. Millions of Americans 
are without health insurance. Gas prices are out of control while our 
Nation's reliance on foreign oil shows no sign of easing. And we still 
have no strategy for the war in Iraq. However, the Senate leadership 
has chosen to spend a portion of our limited days in session to bring 
up a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning.
  Once again, we seem to be searching for a solution in need of a 
problem, and I am afraid the reason we are spending time on this topic 
is only for political gain.
  As a veteran with 30 years in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Naval 
Reserve, I know the pride that members of our Armed Forces feel when 
they see our flag, wherever they may be in the world. I share the great 
respect that Vermonters and Americans have for that symbol. I 
personally detest the notion that anyone would choose to burn a flag as 
a form of self-expression.
  Members of the military put their lives on the line every day to 
defend the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. It is 
disrespectful of these sacrifices to desecrate the flag.
  However, in my opinion, our commitment to free speech must be strong 
enough to protect the rights of those who express unpopular ideas or 
who choose such a distasteful means of expression. This concept is at 
the core of what we stand for as Americans.
  Mr. President, I have given this constitutional amendment a great 
deal of thought. I must continue to oppose this amendment because I do 
not think we should amend the Bill of Rights unless our basic values as 
a nation are seriously threatened. In my view, a few incidents of flag 
burning, as upsetting as they may be, do not meet this high standard.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a 
quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, it is my understanding we are in 
morning business.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator is correct.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. But that it would be acceptable for me to speak on 
the pending business, which is the flag amendment.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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