WASHINGTON, DC -- Senator Jack Reed stated, "I do not think the federal government should usurp the traditional role of the states by amending the Constitution to ban same-sex unions."An intervention by the federal government to define marriage contradicts centuries of law and custom that allow the states to be the primary authority for family law."Americans want Congress to work together and deal with pressing issues like finding a viable way to safely bring our troops home from Iraq. We should also be focusing on restoring fiscal discipline, securing our borders, and improving our nation's health care and education systems. "Congress needs to get to work on these issues and address the very real concerns that impact American families every day."