WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky today released the following statement on the gay marriage amendment being debated in the Senate:
 
"As instability spreads throughout Iraq and Americans struggle to pay their health care and energy bills, President Bush and Congressional Republicans have engaged in a last-ditch attempt to shore up their base support by doing the bidding of the radical right.   This amendment is a political ploy that would divide Americans instead of addressing the problems they share."   
 
"The economic and foreign policies of the Bush Administration, not gay marriage, are threatening American families.   Republicans should stop invading the personal lives of the American people and should focus instead on the real concerns discussed around kitchen tables across the country.  This shameful politicking will not divert attention from the Republicans' record of failure.  It does underscore the depths to which they will sink in their attempt to shift the national dialogue away from the issues facing Americans."