Mark Souder: “I stand in support of H.R. 1271, but I believe it must be strengthened to accomplish our objective of protecting family…”

“I stand in support of H.R. 1271, but I believe it must be strengthened to accomplish our objective of protecting family privacy. This amendment is in response to concerns of parents around the country about federally funded questionnaires and surveys, in general much of what is going on with our children. This will finally give parents and children the legal cover that has been theirs from the beginning. It will safeguard family privacy unless and until the government has legitimate reason to intrude upon it. Written consent is essential, not burdensome. The individual dignity of a child and the privacy of a family are paramount to saving an agency time or money. Opponents to this amendment in academia, the Clinton administration, and the Census Bureau find it troublesome that we are seeking prior written consent because data for their surveys might not be as accurate as possible. They are really saying science and data are now more important than the family. Is this what we call family values? This amendment will not protect parents who abuse their children or affect legitimate criminal investigations. This amendment will not interfere with academic tests that are truly academic. This amendment will not impose any additional requirements on schools.”