OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Concurrent Resolution on the Budget, Fiscal Year 2016 -- Continued

Floor Speech

Date: March 26, 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Marriage Veterans Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

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Mr. SCHATZ. All legally married, same-sex couples deserve equal
treatment under the law, regardless of where they live. But right now, eligibility for spousal benefits provided under the Social Security Act and by the Department of
Veterans Affairs is determined by a place-of-residence standard. That
means that legally married same-sex couples who move to a State that
doesn't recognize same-sex marriage could be denied Social Security and
veterans survivor benefits.

Plain and simple, this is wrong, and this doesn't reflect our
American values. This amendment will fix this and provide equal
protection under the law and the Social Security and veterans benefits
that gay Americans have earned. I would be happy to entertain a voice
vote in support of this amendment if the majority is amenable.

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