Charles T. Canady: “Mr. Chairman, we have heard quite a bit about the full faith and credit Clause, I think it might be helpful to read it.…”

“Mr. Chairman, we have heard quite a bit about the full faith and credit Clause, I think it might be helpful to read it. It is contained in article IV, section 1 of the Constitution, and I will read it in its entirety. Full faith and credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records and judicial Proceedings of every other State, and the Congress may by general laws prescribe the manner in which such Act, Records and Proceedings shall be approved and the effect thereof. The full faith and credit clause, which I have just read, recognizes a role for the Congress to play in circumstances just such as those that are now before us arising from the situation in Hawaii. Now, that is one element of this bill. On the other hand, there is an element in this bill which deals with Federal law, Federal benefits, and the interpretation of the Federal statutes and regulations that use the terms 'marriage' and 'spouse.' We have a responsibility as the Congress to determine how Federal funds will be spent, and I believe that it is certainly within our prerogative to determine that those funds will not be used to support an institution which is rejected by the vast majority of the American people. We, as their representatives, can take that position. That is not in derogation of States' rights. That is simply in fulfillment of our responsibilities, and that is what we are doing through this bill.”