[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15857]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




ARMY SPECIALIST JOSEPH P. MICKS FEDERAL FLAG CODE AMENDMENT ACT OF 2007

  Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that 
the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 191, 
H.R. 692.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (H.R. 692) to amend title 4, United States Code, to 
     authorize the Governor of a State, territory, or possession 
     of the United States to order that the National flag be flown 
     at half-staff in that State, territory, or possession in the 
     event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces from that 
     State, territory, or possession who dies while serving on 
     active duty.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, it is critically important that each time a 
soldier, sailor, airman, or marine is lost in battle, their families, 
friends, and communities are shown the respect and support of a 
grateful nation. Tragically, Michigan has lost more than 135 heroes in 
the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the most powerful ways we 
honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country is to 
fly the flag they fought under at half-staff.
  On many occasions during the course of the wars in Iraq and 
Afghanistan, Governors around the country have issued proclamations for 
State agencies and residents to lower our Nation's flag to honor fallen 
servicemembers from their States. Many Federal agencies in those States 
comply with such proclamations, but some have not. To those mourning 
the death of a loved one, this inaction can be hurtful and interpreted 
as indifference to their loss. I know my colleagues will agree that 
this is certainly not the message our Government wants to send to the 
families of our men and women in uniform.
  This legislation would prevent this situation by giving Governors the 
explicit authority to order our Nation's flag lowered to half-staff 
when a member of the Armed Forces from their State dies while serving 
on active duty. It would also require federal agencies in that State to 
lower their flags consistent with a Governor's proclamation. The House 
of Representatives passed identical legislation on May 15. I am pleased 
that my colleagues support this legislation so that all levels of our 
Government will send a clear and consistent message when members of our 
military are killed in the course of their service to our country.
  One of my greatest honors as the chairman of the Senate Armed 
Services Committee is to spend time with our troops, and they are as 
courageous, honorable, and capable a fighting force as the world has 
ever known. These men and women have made a commitment to protect our 
Nation. We need to make an equally strong commitment to honor them when 
they make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We owe our fallen 
soldiers, their families, and their communities a unified showing of 
respect.
  Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that 
the bill be read three times, passed, and the motion to reconsider be 
laid upon the table; that any statements relating thereto be printed in 
the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The bill (H.R. 692) was ordered to a third reading, was read the 
third time, and passed.

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