Bush Policy Vows More Than Marriage

Henry Briggs’ March 6 letter implies that the Bush administration views marriage as the be-all and end-all solution to the woes of poverty. This is far from the truth. We believe in a multifaceted approach to helping people achieve economic independence and be good parents. One component of our approach is to make it easier for those who choose marriage to have access to services that will allow them to determine if they are ready for marriage and, if so, to sustain healthy relationships and practice responsible parenting.

We would never advocate marriage at all costs, especially between people who are abusive to each other, immature or otherwise unready to face the challenges of marriage. Nor would we penalize anyone for not getting married. Our 2003 budget proposal includes $300 million to fund research to explore what kinds of programs are effective in helping people form healthy families. We are trying to enrich the knowledge base about successful marriage programs so that all states have the most current information and people who are contemplating marriage or are in the midst of a troubled marriage can get the best help.

The ultimate beneficiaries of this policy are America’s children. It is their future that informs all of our positions.

Wade F. Horn

Assistant Secretary

Administration for Children

and Families, Washington