WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) today called on Senate Democrats to stop blocking legislation that would preserve the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial in San Diego by transferring possession of the monument to the federal government.
Sessions, Senate author of the legislation, said at least one unidentified Senate Democrat has placed a parliamentary “hold” on the bill in an effort to block its passage. Senate Republicans Tuesday cleared the bill for passage, but it was held up by Democrats. During a floor speech today, Sessions tried for a second time to bring the bill up for passage, but the Democrats again objected. Sessions said he would invoke a parliamentary maneuver to force a vote if the Democrats continue to object.
The memorial has been under attack by the ACLU for more than 15 years due to the monument’s 29-foot cross honoring the lives of fallen soldiers. A federal judge has ordered the City of San Diego to remove the cross in the middle of the memorial or be fined $5,000 a day, a decision that was based on California law and court decisions.
“I am disappointed that some Senate liberals would object to protecting this important historic landmark that is so dear to our veterans and their families,” Sessions said. “This bill enjoys strong support from the people of San Diego, the American Legion and Congress. I call on my Democrat colleagues to allow a vote. This is another example of an extreme interpretation of church and state questions that moves us towards a complete elimination of any religious references from the public square,” Sessions said.
A California Superior Court judge overturned a special election in which 76 percent of San Diego voters elected to transfer the Mount Soledad National War Memorial to the federal government. Once the memorial is officially federal land, it will not be susceptible to continued litigation under California’s constitution, but will be controlled by the U.S. Constitution and federal law which is more favorable.
“Our nation has a long history and tradition of memorializing members of the armed forces who die in battle with a cross or other religious emblems of faith,” Sessions said. “This memorial has stood since 1954, and Congress should make sure that the monument remains intact as a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in defense of our country.”
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy has issued an indefinite stay to put off any fines against the city until the issue has moved through the judicial system.
Sessions’s bill is identical to a House measure that passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week. The bills would direct the Secretary of Defense to manage the property while the Mount Soledad Memorial Association would be responsible for maintenance.
