Sponsor Statement for HJR 59

By Representative Pete Kott

This resolution urges the Congress of the United States to present a constitutional amendment to the states that would authorize Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the American flag.

The flag has long been enshrined as the symbol of what is right with America and is a most worthy emblem of our nation. The law, as interpreted by the United States Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes that reverence, respect and dignity befitting the banner of our noble experiment of a nation state, "the last, best hope of mankind," (A. Lincoln).

The Resolution supports House Joint Resolution 54 or Senate Joint Resolution 40 providing Congress the authority to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag.

I urge your support for this Resolution.