Marriage Protection Act of 2004

MARRIAGE PROTECTION ACT OF 2004 -- (House of Representatives - July 22, 2004)

Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 734, I call up the bill (H.R. 3313) to amend title 28, United States Code, to limit Federal court jurisdiction over questions under the Defense of Marriage Act, and ask for its immediate consideration.

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Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3313, the Marriage Protection Act. You know it's sad that we're even having this debate. However we are being forced to. Marriage and the American family are under attack by activist groups and they're using wayward judges to chip away at this sacred institution. For the sake of our country, Congress must respond.

This bill would prevent federal courts from forcing states like Texas to recognize same-sex marriages licensed in another state.
Well in Texas, the people have spoken. We have a Defense of Marriage Act on the books. The lone star state only recognizes marriage between a man and a woman, regardless of what other states might do.

However, in light of recent events in Massachusetts and elsewhere, it has become necessary to ensure that the will of the people of Texas isn't circumvented by some unelected judge. And one of the remedies to abuses by federal judges lies in Congress' authority to limit federal court jurisdiction.

Congress shouldn't be afraid to properly exercise checks and balances provided for in the Constitution. It is our responsibility to prevent overreaching by the courts. We've got to reign in these zealous judges who think they can legislate.

Back home we have a popular slogan, "Don't mess with Texas." Well I've got one for this debate, "Don't mess with marriage!"