(June 27, 2006)—Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at banning flag burning thought they had the votes for passage Tuesday, but the amendment failed 66-34, one vote short of the two-thirds majority needed for approval.

Texas Republican Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn both voted for the proposed amendment.

“The American flag is recognized around the world as a powerful symbol of our heritage and our freedom which many have died defending,” Hutchison said.

“Desecration of the American flag is a physical action that should not be interpreted as protected speech. I support this amendment because I believe it is important to protect Old Glory, our beloved national symbol.” she said.

The proposed amendment, sponsored by Utah Republican Orrin Hatch, reads: "The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States."

Hatch called the flag "a unique symbol of our nationhood that demands protection,” but Illinois Senator Richard Durbin charges the flag is being used for partisan politics.

He says the real issue "isn't the protection of the flag, its the protection of the Republican majority."

The House had already approved the amendment.

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Click Here For Sen. John Cornyn’s Senate Web Site

Click Here For Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison’s Senate Web Site

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