Bush Issues Flag Desecration Vote Statement

President Bush has issued the following statement on the U.S. Senate’s failure on Tuesday to approve a proposed constitutional amendment that would have granted Congress the authority to pass laws banning the desecration of the United States flag:

”Today a bipartisan majority of United States Senators voted to protect our Nation's most important symbol through a Constitutional amendment to authorize Congress to prohibit the desecration of the American Flag. Unfortunately, the final count fell short of the votes needed to send this important proposed amendment to the states for ratification.

“By showing respect for our flag, we show reverence for the ideals that guide our Nation. And we show appreciation for the men and women who have served in defense of those ideals.

“I commend the Senators from both parties who voted to allow the amendment ratification process to protect our flag to go forward, and continue to believe that the American people deserve the opportunity to express their views on this important issue.” – President George W. Bush, June 27, 2006

The Senate’s 66-34 vote fell one vote short of the two-thirds majority of 67 needed to send the amendment to the states for ratification and inclusion in the Constitution.

Also See:
Senate Debates Flag Burning Amendment... Again
Anti-Flag Burning Amendment Defeated in Senate
Flag Desecration Amendment Rejected: Thank God! (Liberal Politics)
History of Flag Burning Laws
Amending the Constitution