On this Flag Day, LoBiondo Renews Support for Constitutional Amendment to Ban Desecration
As the nation celebrates Flag Day, U.S. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) renewed his support for a constitutional amendment that would establish criminal penalties for those who desecrate the American flag. LoBiondo, who was an original cosponsor of H.J. Res. 10, was pleased when the House passed the amendment in mid-June of 2005 with the necessary two-thirds majority.
"Countless men and women served this great country in times of war to protect this undeniable symbol of democracy," said LoBiondo. "Today, at Patriot's Park in Millville, ceremonies will honor two local heroes - Marine Lance Corporal Harry Swain IV and Staff Sergeant Thomas Walkup - who willingly made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the values and freedoms our flag represents. It is only right that Congress fight to protect their honor, and those who have fallen before them, by preserving the integrity of the Stars and Stripes."
LoBiondo also signaled out fellow 2nd Congressional district servicemen: Navy SEAL Petty Officer David Tapper of Atco, Marine Corporal Sean Kelly of Pitman, Army Specialist Marc Seiden of Brigantine, and Specialist Gennaro Pellegrini of Wildwood, whose lives were lost during their service abroad under the American Flag.
As stipulated in the U.S. Constitution, any proposed amendment must to be approved by a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate, and approved by three-fourths of the states in order to become an amendment to the Constitution. Currently, the amendment is awaiting consideration by the full Senate, which is expected to be voted on in the coming weeks.
"With overwhelming bipartisan support, the House approved a constitutional amendment to protect the American Flag. I implore my colleagues in the Senate to quickly consider and approve this critical legislation, so that the process can proceed and our eternal symbol can be protected," concluded LoBiondo.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
http://www.house.gov/list/press/nj02_lobiondo/061406.html