[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 2]
[House]
[Pages 2174-2175]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          WHY MARRIAGE MATTERS

  (Mrs. HARTZLER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of National 
Marriage Week. It is an honor to promote an institution that has been 
the cornerstone of society for centuries, and I am blessed to celebrate 
this week with my husband of 30 years, Lowell Hartzler.
  When a man and woman join together in holy matrimony, they are not 
only starting a life together and creating a family, they are also 
establishing the foundation of a healthy society.
  Researchers document many benefits to marriage: better health, 
greater personal happiness, enhanced financial

[[Page 2175]]

stability, and positive impacts for children. Boys and girls raised at 
home by a mom and dad perform better in school, have less addictions, 
experience lower rates of teen pregnancy, and see less trouble with the 
law.
  At a time when some question the future of marriage, I think it is 
wise to reflect on the unique benefits the intact, married family 
provides. Social science clearly tells us that marriage leads to 
greater wealth, health, longevity, and happiness. It is something to 
aspire to, to treasure, and to fight for.
  Not only does society benefit but, most importantly, so do the men 
and women who commit to a lifetime of love, laughter, faithfulness, and 
future generations.

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