Floor Speech – July 14, 2004

Protecting marriage is a critical national issue

Mr. Speaker,

Today, the Senate will vote on an issue of critical national importance – marriage.

The issue is whether we will stand idly by as a few unelected judges redefine the family for us.

Or if we will take a stand and say “enough is enough.”

The best home for kids is when their biological parents – mom and dad – live at home, are married, and are engaged in the lives of their children.

Unfortunately, many claim that this is an issue for states.

Indeed it is, if that’s what were happening.  But it’s not.

Courts are circumventing the states in order to make this happen.

We will never debate it. The states will never debate it.  The American people will never debate it.  And that’s just how activists want it.

There’s no way around it – we need to amend the constitution.

The Federal Marriage Amendment is a bi-partisan bill, supported by a very diverse coalition.

The overwhelming majority of the American people agree with the FMA’s definition of marriage.

Voting on it is hardly politics as usual.

It’s the least we can do to protect the stability of our communities and the best future for our children.

The Senate should vote for cloture on FMA and vote for final passage.

I yield back.