Dan Kildee: “Overnight, House Republicans have dramatically and inexplicably reversed their position on taking down this terribly…”

“Overnight, House Republicans have dramatically and inexplicably reversed their position on taking down this terribly divisive symbol, the Confederate battle flag. While they initially allowed House Democrats' amendments to remove this symbol from our national parks, late last night, they allowed an amendment on voice, which was challenged. I will be on the floor for a rollcall later today to keep--believe it or not--keep the Confederate flag as a symbol for sale and for display in America's national parks. Of course, this morning's headlines, the scathing headlines, tell it all: ``House GOP takes step back on Confederate flags.'' Unbelievable--it is a shame. It is really a shame that House Republicans last night, very late last night, without warning, attempted to turn back important progress on taking down this terrible and divisive symbol. This, of course, happens just weeks--days, literally--after nine Americans were slain in an historic Black church in Charleston, South Carolina. A terrible and tragic massacre committed by an evil individual, who wrapped himself in that very symbol, and celebrated the hate that it stood for. I attended the funeral of Reverend Clementa Pinckney and, with other Members of Congress, grieved with that community in their pain. I saw that community asking themselves a question: Why, why does that hateful symbol, that flag, continue to fly over their State capitol?…”