Shuster Cosponsors Legislation to Support Marines Against Attacks from Berkeley, California Leftists, City Council

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Shuster Cosponsors Legislation to Support Marines Against Attacks from Berkeley, California Leftists, City Council

Congressman Bill Shuster, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, is pleased to announce that he has cosponsored two bills to support the U.S. Marine Corps against the harassment they are experiencing at the hands of the City Council of Berkeley, California and far left anti-war groups.

"The men and women in the Marine Corps put their lives on the line every day to protect the rights of groups like Code Pink who oppose their very existence," Shuster said. "Berkeley has long been ground zero for radicals and leftist zealots. For the most part, their antics have no effect on average Americans, but the city government's recent attacks on the Marines who staff the recruiting center in the city represent a reprehensible new low."

On January 29th the Berkeley, California, City Council passed three resolutions regarding presence of a Marine Corps recruiting center in the city. The first resolution called on the City Attorney to investigate Marine recruiters for violating the city's anti-discrimination laws. The second directed their City Manager to send letters to the Marines telling them that they were "uninvited and unwelcome intruders." The third resolution commended the radical group Code Pink for their harassment of Marines and gave the group a parking space in front of the office once a week for protests.

"The Berkeley City Council wants to send a message that they oppose the war and the military. Fine, that's their constitutional right. But officially encouraging and facilitating interference with the operation of a federal office and officially promoting the harassment of our Marines goes way beyond protest."

In response, Shuster cosponsored the "Semper Fi Act," legislation that would take all of the money appropriated in last year's budget by Congress for the City of Berkeley and transfer it to the Marine Corps for their recruiting efforts. In total $2,100,000 would be redirected in this legislation. The second bill Congressman Shuster cosponsored resolves Congress to honor the Marine Corps, and condemn the City of Berkeley for their outrageous behavior. "If Berkeley wants to facilitate fringe groups in forcing the Marines out they can do it with their own money. The people of the 9th district of Pennsylvania shouldn't be forced to foot the bill," Shuster added. "In fact, we'll welcome the Marines with open arms."

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