Constitutional Amendment Authorizing Congress to Prohibit Physical Desecration of the Flag of the United States

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AUTHORIZING CONGRESS TO PROHIBIT PHYSICAL DESECRATION OF THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 24, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL
OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2005

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I attended the funeral of Congressman J.J. "Jake" Pickle-a former member of the House who represented the 10th District of Texas for 31 years. As the current representative of the 10th District of Texas, it was my duty to pay homage to Congressman Pickle who gave so much to Texas and his constituents.

In doing so, I was absent for legislative business on the floor, and missed the opportunity to vote in favor of an amendment to the Constitution to prevent the desecration of the flag. As an original cosponsor of this amendment, I would have voted "yes" to preserve the ultimate icon of American values.

Since 1994, there have been 119 instances of reported flag burning or desecration in the United States, but just one occurrence of this should be reason enough to outlaw this heinous act.

All 50 States have enacted resolutions asking Congress to pass a flag protection amendment, and an overwhelming majority of the American people have consistently supported the protection of our flag. Accordingly, the House has passed a flag protection amendment by more than the 2/3 majority needed in 5 separate Congresses.

Countless men and women, including my father, who are all heroes, have served under the glory of its stars and bars and died to ensure its spirit, and desecrating our flag is a desecration of their contribution to America. The American flag serves as the world's most recognized symbol of freedom and democracy, and should be given the appropriate respect and protection.

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