In this testimony before the Subcommittee on Human Resources of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means, the benefits of the proposed Healthy Marriage Initiative are discussed. It begins by summarizing key provisions of the proposed initiative and noting research findings that indicate marriage skill education programs are effective in increasing couple stability. The importance of marriage and the link between the decline in the marriage rate and the rise of child poverty are then discussed. The long-term harmful effects of growing up without a father in the home and the benefits of marriage to children and to adults are also explained. Background information on disincentives to marrying in current federal policies is given, including anti-marriage discrimination in all means-tested aid programs. An outline is then provided of President Bush’s initiative to promote healthy marriage that reviews the timing and targeting of services and program specifics. Finally, criticisms of the President’s plan are addressed.