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OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

Clyburn Statement on Republican Vote to Keep the Confederate Battle Flag Flying at the Citadel

WASHINGTONAssistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn released the following statement on the House Armed Services Committee Republicans’ rejection of Ranking Member Adam Smith’s amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act:

“I am greatly disappointed that a majority of Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee have voted to keep the Confederate battle flag flying in a place of worship at The Citadel.  Their action nullified a bipartisan effort to remove that flag from Summerall Chapel. There is nothing reverent or unifying about that banner.

“The Confederate battle flag is a symbol of hate, repression, and resistance to the rule of law.  It should only be displayed in a museum.  Americans’ tax dollars should not be directed to institutions where it is flown, regardless of whether the decision to fly it is done under the color of state law.

“Almost 30 years ago, The Citadel and South Carolina’s leadership were confronted with a similar situation. We worked together at that time to do the right thing.  In the coming weeks and months, I plan to give House Republicans additional opportunities to do the right thing in this instance.”

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