U.S. Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR) and U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) have reintroduced a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would give Congress the authority to ban the physical desecration of the United States flag.
“Generations have fought to defend our stars and stripes – and the American people have simply given too much for the flag to not have the ability to protect it,” Rep. Womack said.
House Joint Resolution 65 (H.J.Res.65) was introduced by Rep. Womack on June 13 to coincide with Flag Day, along with original cosponsors who included U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Bob Latta (R-OH) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA). Sen. Daines sponsored the companion bill in the Senate, Senate Joint Resolution 49 (S.J.Res.49), with U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA).
“Our United States flag is a timeless symbol of liberty that tells the story of America, the story of our enduring pursuit of freedom,” Sen. Daines said. “Remembering the sacrifices of all who carried its colors into battle, our nation should always render the flag the honor and dignity it is due.”
A joint resolution to allow for the ability to protect the important national symbol of the flag has been passed in the U.S. House several times before with bipartisan support, the congressman’s office noted.
“Our flag is more than a cloth painted red, white, and blue. It is a symbol of worldwide freedom, unity, and liberty,” Rep. Womack said.