Louise Slaughter: “Mr. Speaker, I know of no Federal law that prohibits a parent from being with a child; but if this law passes, a…”

“Mr. Speaker, I know of no Federal law that prohibits a parent from being with a child; but if this law passes, a grandparent could certainly be prohibited from doing this. Fortunately, we know this legislation is not going anywhere. This bill is unconstitutional because it would restrict the movements of citizens across State lines for legal purposes. I think this bill would be struck down by a court for that reason. But equally importantly and to the underlying bill, it is terrible public policy; and it is an ineffective attempt by Congress to control people's lives. Every parent in this Chamber feels the same way about his or her children. I also have two daughters. One of them is 12 years old, about to be going through the morass of middle school and high school. I love my children unconditionally, just like every other parent in this country; and when it comes to making big decisions, I would hope my children would come to me. I think that they would come to me. But sadly, this is not true for every young adult across this country.”