[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 26 (Friday, February 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK

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                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 12, 2016

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge and recognize 
that this is National Marriage Week. The sacred vows that a man and 
woman exchange as a part of the sacrament of marriage have been part of 
our culture from the very beginning of humanity. It's an institution 
that, over the centuries, has proven to be the best for raising a 
family, and creating self-sufficient and well-balanced children.
  However, this week as we celebrate National Marriage Week, I remain 
deeply concerned that this sacred institution is suffering in our 
country. More than half of all marriages in the United States end in 
divorce. Fewer couples are choosing to marry. And there are still large 
numbers of women having children out of wedlock.
  More than half of all babies born to women under the age of 30 are 
now born outside of marriage. Fifty years ago, that number was around 5 
percent. While the culture we live in today is no doubt responsible for 
much of this shift, the government could be doing more to help this 
situation. Our laws do not encourage marriage, but in many cases, they 
also discourage marriage by imposing tax penalties on those who would 
like to marry.
  So, as we recognize the importance of marriage, I believe that it's 
time that Congress remove the government-imposed financial barriers--
which is often called the marriage tax penalty--that too often make 
marriage a second choice for these couples.
  I am blessed to have been married to my wife, Caroline, for almost 22 
years. Our partnership is one of the great joys of my life.
  I am proud to recognize National Marriage Week and the institution of 
marriage here in the United States as well as around the world.

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