Kingston Stands by Marines

Press Release

Congressman Jack Kingston (GA-1) today took a stand against the City of Berkley, California for its treatment of the U.S. Marine Corps. Congressman Kingston cosponsored legislation and signed a letter to President Bush urging him to revoke over $2 million in federal funding for the city.

"This is a slap in the face to the Marines and all those who serve in the armed forces. Not only did the city rip up the welcome mat, they encouraged folks to go out there and stop the recruiters from doing their jobs," Congressman Kingston said. "If the Marines aren't welcome in Berkley then our tax dollars shouldn't be either."

Last week, the Berkley City Council agreed to send a letter to the Marines stating that their recruiters were not welcome in the city and that those who stayed would be considered "uninvited and unwelcome intruders." In addition, the council urged its citizens to protest and work to stand in the way of recruiters and issued special permits to a group that tries to block potential recruits from entering the building.

In response, Congressman Kingston joined with nearly sixty other congressmen to block $2.1 million in federal appropriations the city is due to receive as part of the consolidated appropriations bill passed late last year. There is also a movement in the California legislature to withhold more than $3 million in transportation funding the city is slated to receive later this year.

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