Congressman Dent Stands up for Marines

Press Release

Congressman Dent stands up for Marines

U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (PA-15) today announced his co-sponsorship of the Semper Fi Act, H.R. 5222, which will rescind all funds appropriated through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 to the City of Berkeley, California, and redirect them to the U.S. Marine Corps. H.R. 5222 was introduced in response to the City of Berkeley's recent attempts to shut down the United States Marine Corps recruiting station in that town and its further actions to notify the Marine Corps that they are being viewed as "uninvited and unwelcome intruders."

"With this callous and unprovoked move, the City of Berkeley has shown contempt for the fighting men and women of the Marines," Congressman Dent said. "Regardless of one's thoughts of our nation's policies here at home or abroad, we will always support our brave servicemen and women and always appreciate and respect that they serve our country proudly, professionally, and with honor. This is a slap in the face to Marines everywhere."

The City of Berkeley petition served to "Encourage all people to avoid cooperation with the Marine Corps recruiting station, and applaud residents and organizations…that may volunteer to impede, passively or actively, by nonviolent means, the work of any military recruiting office located in the City of Berkeley."

"The notion that a city would turn its cheek, and actually encourage the harassment of these brave men and women is disgraceful," Congressman Dent said. "I hope that the City Council will soon come to their senses and rescind this meaningless yet hurtful proclamation and apologize to Marines everywhere."

H.R. 5222 would rescind approximately $2 million allocated for the City of Berkeley and entities contained within it. These funds would be redirected to the Marine Corps to be used for operations and maintenance.

Source