The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H1366 on Feb. 28, 2011.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
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DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT
(Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, while we were gone last week, the United States Department of Justice made an unfortunate decision announcement. They announced that they would no longer defend an act of Congress that was signed into law by President Clinton, that is, the Defense of Marriage Act.
The statement that came out of the Justice Department said that they could find no constitutional basis for defending that law. I recall we had the same thing happen in my home State where then-Attorney General Jerry Brown said he could not defend Proposition 8 which dealt with the definition of marriage.
Having served in that office in California, I can tell you, I defended laws that I disagreed with. I defended laws that I had voted against, and I felt it was my solemn obligation to uphold the Constitution and the laws duly enacted in my State, just as I believe the Attorney General of the United States has that obligation on the Federal level.
It is beyond disappointment. I believe it is a dereliction of duty. To somehow now find that there is no constitutional basis for defending that law is incredible and I think regrettable, and I think we ought to look into it.
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