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   ISSUES  > Family and Marriage
 
State Senator Information
Nebraska 		US Senators by State
US Senators and their Comments on FMA
Senator's Name: Ben Nelson, Democrat
Website: http://bennelson.senate.gov/
Federal DOMA in 1996: This senator was elected in 2000, therefore not present for the federal DOMA in 1996. The senator voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2004 and 2006.
Senator's Comments: The states should decide whether to ban same-sex marriages, Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said Tuesday. A constitutional amendment would ?infringe on state?s rights,? said Nelson, who supports Nebraska?s ban on same-sex unions. ?I fail to see where this has reached nation proportions where a federal constitutional amendment is necessary? ? Associated Press, February 24, 2004.
FMA Cloture in July 2004: This senator voted for the cloture concerning the FMA in July 2004.
Senator's Name: Chuck Hagel, Republican
Website: http://hagel.senate.gov/
Federal DOMA in 1996: This senator was elected in 1996, therefore not present for the federal DOMA in 1996. He voted for the Marriage Protection Amendment in 2004. The senator did not vote on the MPA in 2006.
Senator's Comments: Marriage between a man and a woman is an honored social and sacred institution that dates back thousands of years in civilization. It is for this reason that I am opposed to same sex marriages. However, I do not support amending the U.S. Constitution to ban same sex marriage at this time?.States, not the federal government, have the responsibility for social contracts. ?quote from constituent letter 6-16-04
Hagel: ?I do not believe we need to amend the Constitution to deal with this problem? I think we need to be a little steady here.? The Hotline, February 26, 2004. INTERVIEW Chris Matthews: Would you support a constitutional amendment to make sure that marriage is only for people of different genders? Hagel: No, I think the Constitution of the United States is not for those reasons. Obviously, I am a supporter of marriage. And I do think the sanctity of marriage is important between a man and a woman. But I think the law that we currently have, signed by President Clinton, authored by a very conservative Republican House member, is the right way to go. Second reason I wouldn?t support a constitutional amendment, Chris, is I think these are state issues. I don?t think we want to be using the federal government to dictate through a constitutional amendment these kinds of issues.? Hardball with Chris Matthews, January 20, 2004.
FMA Cloture in July 2004: This senator voted for the cloture concerning the FMA in July 2004.


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