Charles T. Canady: “To those who say that this is an unconstitutional measure, I point out that the predicate for the operation of this bill…”

“To those who say that this is an unconstitutional measure, I point out that the predicate for the operation of this bill is the existence of valid constitutional State laws, laws that have been adopted by State legislatures and which meet the requirements that have been outlined by the United States Supreme Court with respect to parental consent and parental notice laws. Now, there are a little more than 20 States that have such laws on the books that are valid and enforceable. And all we are saying in this bill is that where we have such valid constitutional laws, this Congress has a role to play in making sure that people do not use the interstate transportation of a minor as a way of circumventing those valid constitutional State laws. It is very simple. This is not a complicated concept. It is something that I believe all Members, if they give it even the slightest attention, would understand very easily. It is also important to understand that first and foremost this bill is about protecting the health of young girls.”