MR. CHAIRMAN -- I rise as a cosponsor of Mr. Bachus's timely amendment that would not allow individuals who commit capital crimes where the death penalty is an option to be eligible for a full military burial.

Regardless of whether you support or oppose the death penalty, it is an affront that an individual who, in the case of Timothy McVeigh, has been convicted of murdering fellow Americans, to receive the same honors to which our veterans are entitled. Active members of the military and veterans embody the very virtues we as Americans cherish. They are the guardians of liberty and the caretakers of the freedoms we all hold dear. Convicted murderers do not represent these ideals and should not be honored for their service to our nation.

Currently, there are restrictions regarding what veterans are eligible for military burials. Anybody convicted of treason, espionage, mutiny, or assisting an enemy of the United States cannot request a military burial. It is morally right to add to this list those who have wantonly disregarded the sanctity of human life and have been convicted of a capital crime by a jury of their peers. Anything less would be a slap in the face to our veterans.

Last week, I supported a constitutional amendment to prohibit physical desecration of the United States flag. This week, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment which would prohibit the adornment of the flag on individuals who have rejected the very ideals which America represents.