Pete Stark: “I rise today to oppose H.J. Res. 4, a constitutional amendment to prohibit the desecration of the U.S. flag. In doing…”

“I rise today to oppose H.J. Res. 4, a constitutional amendment to prohibit the desecration of the U.S. flag. In doing so, I rise in support of protecting the right to free speech. The First Amendment to the Constitution says, ``Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech . . .'' Yet, this bill would overturn two Supreme Court decisions upholding flag burning as symbolic speech protected under the First Amendment. If ratified, this amendment would be the first time ever that the Bill of Rights has been altered and in a manner that limits the freedoms that belong to the American people. Conveniently, we debate this bill just before Flag Day. Now Republicans can run back to their districts to flaunt what they believe is patriotism. But, we must ask ourselves: is it patriotic to trample upon the Constitutionally protected freedoms? The freedom of speech is vital to our democracy--it sets our nation apart from those oppressive regimes we have fought and deposed throughout our history. Some of my colleagues--mainly on the other side of the aisle--will mention today that veterans across the nation support this amendment. I respect these brave Americans and what the flag means to them. But, the Republicans are using this issue to cover over their failure to fully compensate our veterans for their heroic service.”