Summary of SJRES 58

Bill Number: SJRES 58

Title: A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing the Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

Status: Introduced in Senate

Introduced: June 12, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

SJRES 58 aims to propose a constitutional amendment that would grant Congress the authority to prohibit the physical desecration of the United States flag. The intent behind this resolution is to protect the flag as a national symbol and to affirm its significance in American culture and history.

Key Provisions

• Amendment Proposal: The resolution proposes the following article as an amendment to the Constitution:

  "The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States."

• Ratification Requirement: For the amendment to become valid, it must be ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states within 7 years of its submission by Congress.

Affected Parties

• Congress: The resolution empowers Congress to enact laws that would define and prohibit acts of physical desecration of the flag.

• States: State legislatures will play a crucial role in the ratification process, as three-fourths must approve the amendment for it to take effect.

• Citizens: The amendment would impact individuals and groups who engage in acts that could be classified as desecration of the flag, potentially leading to legal consequences.

Legislative Actions

• June 12, 2025: The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.

• June 12, 2025: The bill was officially introduced in the Senate.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: Steve Daines
• Cosponsor: Mike Crapo

Related Bills

• HJRES 101: This is a companion bill in the House of Representatives that addresses similar issues regarding the desecration of the flag.

Conclusion

SJRES 58 represents a significant legislative effort to amend the Constitution concerning the protection of the U.S. flag. If ratified, it would empower Congress to create laws against flag desecration, reflecting the values and sentiments of many Americans regarding national symbols. The resolution is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, pending further discussion and potential action by the Committee on the Judiciary.