Frank Lautenberg: “I rise to ensure that all voices are heard in the debate over the proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution on the…”

“I rise to ensure that all voices are heard in the debate over the proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution on the issue of marriage. I have received compelling correspondence from Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Local Officials, GLBLO--a caucus of the National League of Cities--the full text of which deserves to be included in Senate consideration of this issue. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the letter from the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Local Officials, GLBLO, board of directors be printed in the Record. July 14, 2004. Dear United States Senator: On behalf of the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Local Officials (GLBLO) Board of Directors and members, a caucus of the National League of Cities working to influence federal policy and municipal relations, we are writing to urge you to vote ``NO'' on S.J. Res. 30 and S.J. Res. 40, respectively, a proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. We are also asking for a vote against ``cloture'' so that the Senate may engage in a full debate of the issue. The first sentence of the ``Federal Marriage Amendment'' provides, ``Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and woman.'' GLBLO is opposed to the federal preemption of states to determine marriage. The 10th Amendment of the Constitution clearly confers upon states the authority to determine marriage. The federal intrusion into the state's authority to define marriage is unnecessary.”