the option is available for a heterosexual couple to marry, and then these employment benefits would flow automatically on the basis of that marriage and that spousal relationship.

Should they desire those benefits, they would have the option of marrying, and that is a choice open to them.

that would require a separate act of Congress, one that I support strongly, which would be repeal of title 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act

the Federal Government cannot recognize these marriages because of DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act

Mr. Chairman, I appear before you today both as the lead author of this legislation, but also as a lesbian Federal employee who has been in a committed relationship with my partner, Lauren, for over 13 years.

This critical legislation will provide health, life and survivor benefits to same-sex domestic partners of Federal employees.

Under current law, the Federal Government cannot offer basic benefits like health insurance, life insurance, dental or vision insurance to domestic partners of our gay and lesbian Federal employees.

The Federal Government simply does not effectively compete with these companies for every talented person; we fail to offer comparable job benefits to our employees.

I would associate myself with the comments of Director Berry with regard to this point.

Simply put, extending benefits to same-sex partners is a good, practical, bottom-line business decision.

I want to make very clear that this bill contains strong antifraud provisions, requiring employees to file an affidavit of eligibility in order to extend benefits to their domestic partners.

President Obama recognized and acknowledged that fact when he signed the memorandum calling it just a start.

I'd like to thank Senator Martinez for holding today's hearing on emergency preparedness and the elderly.

Opening Statement of Senator Herb Kohl

Senator Kohl, what we see is the need for all of the coordination--and I do believe that Florida is a terrific model, because you've had to be, because you've experienced so many disasters--it's bringing together Homeland Security…

Thank you so much, Assistant Secretary Carson.

I think that is a slight imbalance, given what we have to do on the ground.

I am not optimistic about the possibility of avoiding a wholesale disaster in West Africa that will have direct spillover effects in Latin America and the United States.