Hillary Clinton to Co-Sponsor Flag Protection Bill

Sen. Bob Bennett has a new ally in his fight to make it a crime to deface the U.S. flag: Sen. Hillary Clinton. The New York Democrat and former First Lady has signed on as a co-sponsor of the Republican Bennett's bill. And she's taking some heat for the alliance, the Salt Lake Tribune's Washington bureau reported.Bennett's bill would allow the government to fine or imprison someone who intentionally defaces or destroys the flag. Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines says Clinton's backing comes after talking with veterans who want the flag protected. "Burning or destroying an American flag is a despicable act that disrespects the sacrifices of our brave veterans and soldiers who fought to protect the very freedom of speech that flag burners exploit," Clinton said in a June statement. "I find this abhorrent and will endeavor to make sure our laws reflect this." The American Legion this week blasted Clinton for sponsoring Bennett's bill instead of backing a constitutional amendment proposed by U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. Hatch, who has secured 57 Senate sponsors to his resolution, says amending the constitution would prohibit U.S. judges from striking down any law that protects the flag. "In deference to the senator, she may be sincere in her quest for a law, but she is sincerely wrong," said American Legion National Commander Thomas Bock. "The remedy she has chosen, a statute without an enabling amendment to the U.S. Constitution, is a long road to a dead-end." Neither Bennett nor Hatch, however, has been able to get any momentum behind their proposals. Hatch's bill has been stuck in committee since April and Bennett's bill hasn't moved since October when he introduced it for the second time.