Bill Text: NJ AR136 | 2024-2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges members of United States House of Representatives to refrain from displaying flags of foreign nations within the House of Chamber during sessions.
Spectrum: Unknown
Status: (Introduced) 2024-05-06 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee [AR136 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2024-AR136-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman JOHN V. AZZARITI JR., M.D.
District 39 (Bergen)
SYNOPSIS
Urges members of United States House of Representatives to refrain from displaying flags of foreign nations within the House Chamber during sessions.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution urging members of the United States House of Representatives to refrain from displaying the flags of foreign nations within the House Chamber during sessions.
Whereas, On April 20, 2024, during a session of the United States House of Representatives, numerous members were seen waving the flag of Ukraine while the House was in session; and
Whereas, This action occurred after the House had passed a supplemental military aid package for Ukraine; and
Whereas, The display of foreign nations' flags on the floor of the United States House of Representatives is contrary to the principles of American sovereignty and the unity of our nation; and
Whereas, The display of the American flag, as well as flags representing the United States military and prisoners of war, should be the only flags permitted on the floor of the House of Representatives during a session; and
Whereas, The American flag is a symbol of our nation's unity and should be the only national flag displayed during sessions of Congress to maintain the integrity of our legislative processes; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The New Jersey General Assembly urges the members of the United States House of Representatives to refrain from displaying the flags of foreign nations within the House Chamber during sessions.
2. The New Jersey General Assembly encourages the House of Representatives to reaffirm its commitment to American sovereignty and unity by exclusively displaying the American flag, flags representing the United States military, and flags representing prisoners of war within the Houses Chamber during its sessions.
3. A copy of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, and the New Jersey Congressional Delegation.
STATEMENT
On April 20, 2024, during a session of the United States House of Representatives, numerous members were seen waving the flag of Ukraine within the House Chamber while the House was in session. This action occurred after the House had passed a supplemental military aid package for Ukraine.
The display of foreign nations' flags on the floor of the United States House of Representatives is contrary to the principles of American sovereignty and the unity of our nation. The display of the American flag, as well as flags representing the United States military and prisoners of war, should be the only flags permitted on the floor of the House of Representatives during a session. The American flag is a symbol of our nation's unity and should be the only national flag displayed during sessions of Congress to maintain the integrity of our legislative processes.
The New Jersey General Assembly urges the members of the United States House of Representatives to refrain from displaying the flags of foreign nations within the House Chamber, and encourages the House of Representatives to reaffirm its commitment to American sovereignty and unity by exclusively displaying the American flag, flags representing the United States military, and flags representing prisoners of war within the House Chamber during its sessions.
