STATEMENT BY SPOKESMAN TOM HAYDEN CLARIFYING INTENT OF DAVIS' SPEECH ON FEDERAL MARRIAGE PROTECTION ACT July 20, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- "While Congressman Davis does support the idea that marriage is between a man and a women, the intent of his speech was not to say he intends to introduce legislation making divorce, adultery, and child and spousal abuse a felony. Rather, the intent was to point out the purely partisan nature and timing of the amendment. As he rhetorically pointed out, if the Congress' true intent is to protect families and marriage, why limit the scope of this amendment? Should we not look at factors that have more of an impact on families such as child and spousal abuse, adultery, and divorce?"

(Inserted below is a portion of the floor speech, clarifying Congressman Davis's message)

Mr. Speaker, as a person of faith who has been blessed with a wonderful marriage for forty-two years, I am deeply troubled that some may be using this amendment to score political points with their base. Why else would we be voting on an amendment that has no chance of becoming law since the Senate has already rejected it? Why else would we vote on an amendment that may not be necessary when you consider that 45 states have enacted either constitutional or statutory bans on gay marriage, and other states, like my home state of Tennessee, have put such bans on the ballot in November? Why too would CQToday, in their July 17, 2006 issue report that this amendment is "part of the legislative 'values' agenda rolled out . . . to rally the GOP base in the run-up to the November elections?"

Mr. Speaker, this is very concerning to me. Just as one should not take the Lord's name in vain, I also believe a good value for folks is to never undermine religion or marriage by using them to score political points with a base in order to win elections.

In closing Mr. Speaker, I think it is time for both parties to stop pandering to bases that live on the political fringes, and instead remember that there is one true base-the American people. The American public deserve more than talk. They deserve action. The people I represent would be more motivated if we would address the $3 a gallon gasoline and cut the cost in half, reduce the cost of health care for a family of four, from the $1000 it currently costs for health care insurance for four, increase the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 per hour, address illegal immigration, reduce budget deficits, and balance our budget.

I yield back the balance of my time.

--Murfreesboro Daily News Journal Column--