Marriage Protection Amendment

MARRIAGE PROTECTION AMENDMENT -- (House of Representatives - July 18, 2006)

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I oppose this constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. The legislation before us today is nothing more than an attempt by the Republican leadership to exploit a wedge issue that panders to their political base and diverts attention from their abysmal record of non-accomplishment and rubberstamping the incompetence of the Bush Administration.

As we get closer to the end of this Congress, we should be addressing the urgent needs of the American people--the war in Iraq, affordable health care, a sensible energy policy, quality education for our children, retirement security, and a sound and fair fiscal policy.

Whatever one's view is on same sex marriage, amending the Constitution is not the place to address this issue. The laws governing marriage fall under the domain of the states and that is where this issue should be addressed. Amendments to the Constitution have historically expanded, not diminished, the rights and liberties of the American people. We should not use the Constitution as a political tool to divide us. The American people will see through the motivations behind this amendment--to distract the American people from the failed record of the Republican leadership in the Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to work to unite the American people, address the real issues facing our Nation, and reject this amendment.

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