September 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8319 of a child that is all too often lacking that. It ess of adopting children from foster care and gentleman from Illinois (Mr. WELLER) also reauthorizes the Adoption Incentives Pro- the children who are eligible for adoption; each will control 20 minutes. gram, which can make the possibility of adopt- Whereas 71 percent of those who have con- The Chair recognizes the gentleman sidered adoption consider adopting children from Washington. ing more feasible for some families. from foster care above other forms of adop- Madam Speaker, the choice to adopt a child tion; Mr. MCDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, I is not one to be made without great consider- Whereas 45 percent of people in the United would yield such time as he may con- ation. There are risks and challenges involved States believe that children enter the foster sume to the gentleman from Nevada with such a decision. We in Congress should care system because of juvenile delinquency, (Mr. PORTER), the resolution’s chief show them our support and encouragement when in reality the vast majority of children sponsor. in the foster care system were victims of ne- for them when they do decide to adopt. One GENERAL LEAVE way for us to do that is through H. Res. 1432. glect, abandonment, or abuse; Whereas 46 percent of people in the United Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I ask I encourage my colleagues to join me in voting States believe that foster care adoption is unanimous consent that all Members for these bills, and let’s show our support for expensive, when in reality there is no sub- may have 5 legislative days to revise adoption, and the children and families in- stantial cost for adopting from foster care, and extend their remarks and include volved in it. and financial support in the form of an adop- therein extraneous materials on the Mr. MCDERMOTT. I yield back the tion assistance subsidy is available to adop- bill under consideration. balance of my time and encourage ev- tive families of eligible children adopted The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there eryone to vote for this bill. from foster care and continues after the objection to the request of the gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The adoption is finalized until the child is 18, so tleman from Nevada? that income will not be a barrier to becom- question is on the motion offered by ing a parent to a foster child who needs to There was no objection. the gentleman from Washington (Mr. belong to a family; Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I am MCDERMOTT) that the House suspend Whereas significant tax credits are avail- here today as an honored Member of the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6893. able to families who adopt children with spe- the United States Congress, and I ap- The question was taken; and (two- cial needs; preciate, Madam Speaker, your leader- thirds being in the affirmative) the Whereas the Department of Health and ship and that of our chairman and our rules were suspended and the bill was Human Services, Administration for Chil- ranking member on an issue I think is passed. dren and Families, in a partnership with the very important to every family in this Ad Council, supports a national recruitment A motion to reconsider was laid on campaign for adoptive parents; great country, but most important for the table. Whereas the Collaboration to AdoptUsKids those families that are trying to adopt f features a photolisting Website for waiting a child or those in foster care. foster children and prospective adoptive fam- Today, we’re recognizing National SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND ilies at www.adoptuskids.org, and in Spanish Adoption Day, which is November 15, IDEALS OF NATIONAL ADOPTION at www.adopte1.org; 2008. It’s for continued awareness of DAY AND NATIONAL ADOPTION Whereas National Adoption Day is a collec- adoption and foster issues. MONTH tive national effort to find permanent, loving Madam Speaker, can you imagine families for children in the foster care sys- that there are children today sitting in Mr. MCDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, I tem; move to suspend the rules and agree to Whereas, since the first National Adoption a living room somewhere across Amer- the resolution (H. Res. 1432) supporting Day in 2000, 20,000 children have joined for- ica, possibly watching television, the goals and ideals of National Adop- ever families during National Adoption Day; maybe reading a book or playing cards tion Day and National Adoption Month Whereas in 2006, adoptions were finalized with their friends or another sibling. by promoting national awareness of for over 3,300 children through more than 250 But imagine if you’re that child and a adoption and the children in foster care National Adoption Day events in all 50 car pulls up in front of your house, and States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto awaiting families, celebrating children out of it comes one or two individuals Rico; that come and knock at your door and and families involved in adoption, rec- Whereas National Adoption Month cele- ognizing current programs and efforts brates the gift of adoption, recognizing the tell you that you have to move. You designed to promote adoption, and en- adoptive and foster families who share their may have been there for a week. You couraging people in the United States hearts and homes with children in need, and may have been there for a month. You to seek improved safety, permanency, raises awareness of the need for families for may have been there for a year with and well-being for all children. the many waiting children, particularly this particular foster family. Imagine The Clerk read the title of the resolu- older children and teens, children of color, the pain of that child, realizing that members of sibling groups, and children with tion. two strangers are coming to the door physical and emotional challenges; and to take them to another place to re- The text of the resolution is as fol- Whereas November 2008 is National Adop- lows: tion Month, and November 15, 2008, is Na- side. H. RES. 1432 tional Adoption Day, and activities and in- b 1315 Whereas there are nearly 500,000 children formation about both are available at www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/nam/activi- Now, most children in our country in the foster care system in the United are blessed they don’t face that par- States, approximately 130,000 of whom are ties.cfm: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representa- waiting for families to adopt them; ticular challenge. Again, can you imag- tives— Whereas nearly 54 percent of the children ine if that same child then is removed (1) supports the goals and ideals of Na- in foster care are age 10 or younger; from that home and moved to another tional Adoption Day and National Adoption Whereas the average length of time a child home, without even a medical record, Month; spends in foster care is more than 2 years; they may have to have additional in- (2) recognizes that every child in foster Whereas, for many foster children, the care deserves a permanent and loving family; oculation, they may not have their wait for a permanent, adoptive, ‘‘forever’’ (3) recognizes the significant commitment glasses, they may not have all their family in which they are loved, nurtured, of taxpayers to support adoption, including personal belongings. comforted, and protected seems endless; the $1,900,000,000 provided to support adop- Madam Speaker, this is why we are Whereas the number of youth who ‘‘age tion through the Title IV-E Adoption Assist- out’’ of the foster care system by reaching recognizing Adoption Day and recog- ance program, as well as the assistance pro- adulthood without being placed in a perma- nizing foster families across the coun- vided through the Title IV-E Foster Care nent home has increased by more than 58 try, because of the important role that program to 130,000 children waiting for adop- percent since 1998, as nearly 27,000 foster they play in the well-being of our chil- tive families, among other important pro- youth ‘‘aged out’’ of foster care during 2007; grams; and dren. Whereas every day loving and nurturing (4) encourages the citizens of the United Currently, there are 500,000 children families are strengthened and expanded when States to consider adoption of children in in the foster care system around the committed and dedicated individuals make foster care who are waiting for a permanent, United States, and there’s 130,000 chil- an important difference in the life of a child loving family. through adoption; dren just waiting for adoption. At first- Whereas, while 3 in 10 people in the United The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- hand knowledge, in the State of Ne- States have considered adoption, a majority ant to the rule, the gentleman from vada, we have about 4,000 children a of them have misconceptions about the proc- Washington (Mr. MCDERMOTT) and the year that enter into the foster care

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:37 Sep 18, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE7.060 H17SEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE H8320 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2008 system, and last year, many of those want to address this resolution which return home to their biological parents children were blessed to find a home; has been authored by my friend JON has the ability to achieve permanency 444 children were adopted. PORTER of Nevada, who’s a strong advo- through adoption. Sadly, too many I have a family that I recognize this cate for adoption and foster children, children are languishing in the foster week. The Congressional Coalition on while serving on the Ways and Means care system for far too long as they Adoption has provided for us as Mem- Committee, and I commend him for wait to be adopted. bers to recognize individuals for their taking the lead on the National Adop- There are currently 129,000 children help in fostering homes and creating tion Month resolution that’s before us. who are waiting to be adopted out of adoptions, and that’s Scott and Kath- With that, Madam Speaker, I yield 3 foster care. These children, on average, leen Greenberg of Las Vegas, Nevada. minutes to the distinguished gen- will have to wait nearly two-and-a-half They are proud parents of a 15-month- tleman from Georgia (Mr. GINGREY). years in the foster care system before old son, Evan. Mr. GINGREY. Madam Speaker, I they are adopted by the family. A They, of course, found it rewarding thank the gentleman from Illinois for minute can be a lifetime in the eyes of but also challenging because it took yielding. a child. Imagine how a child feels as close to 5 years for this loving family As a proud member of the Congres- they wait nearly two-and-a-half years to be able to adopt a child. They start- sional Coalition on Adoption, I rise in for a family to pick them. ed in Tennessee. They then worked strong support of H. Res. 1432. This im- Representative WELLER and I intro- through Georgia, through different portant resolution recognizes the goals duced bipartisan legislation, which just adoption agencies. They now are work- and ideals of National Adoption Day passed the House, which would provide ing through Nevada, but it took 5 and National Adoption Month by pro- a variety of policy initiatives aimed at years, and each time they had to start moting and raising national awareness increasing the number of children who over. They had challenges of arranged of adoption and children in foster care, are adopted from the foster care sys- adoptions; they had challenges of the as my colleague from Nevada was just tem. The Fostering Connections to public system. explaining. I commend him, the gen- Success and Increasing Adoptions Act Madam Speaker, the reason we’re tleman from Nevada (Mr. PORTER), for extends, expands, and improves the here today is to encourage families to working in a bipartisan matter to Adoption Incentives Program. This adopt these children, to be patient, but bring this important resolution to the successful program provides financial also, the legislation, with the leader- floor, a resolution that celebrates the bonuses to States that increase the ship of our chairman and our ranking children and the families involved in number of children adopted out of fos- member, should make it easier now for adoption, as well as the current pro- ter care. families like the Greenbergs to adopt grams and efforts designed to promote I have to add that, sort of parentheti- children. adoption. cally, I started the subsidized adoption In Nevada, I’ve worked closely with As was said by my colleague in Illi- program in the Washington State legis- the foster care program, and I think, nois, I was an OB/GYN physician for lature in 1971. There has been a very like most of us, our children keep com- nearly 30 years before coming to the uneven spread of that concept across ing back no matter what age, but for Congress back in 2003, and I am espe- the States in this United States. So it’s foster kids, at the age of 18, as they cially passionate, Madam Speaker, important that we at the Federal level move on from the foster care system, about protecting children and their set the standard and say to States, many of them do not have a home to right to life by encouraging adoption. here’s some money if you will think come back to. So in the Nevada legisla- Madam Speaker, adoption brings joy about doing subsidized adoptions for ture we passed legislation to create a to many loving families who cannot these kids. program for foster children between have children of their own or who sim- Since the inception of this program, the ages of 18 and 21, and we created a ply wish to welcome even more chil- nearly 440,000 children have been adopt- fund to help these children with edu- dren into their homes and into their ed out of the foster care system. cation, with training, with housing, hearts. Both National Adoption Day The bill also would provide addi- with health care. It’s funded through a and National Adoption Month, which tional incentives for States to continue copying of documents in the county of will be recognized on November 15 and, to increase the number of children who Clark, and we’re raising about $1 mil- indeed, throughout the entire month of leave the foster care system for perma- lion a year right now to help these November, raise awareness nationally nency through adoption or through children in transition. for the more than 129,000 children who guardianship placement with a grand- Madam Speaker, I’m here today to are currently in foster care and look- parent or a relative caregiver. ask not only for our colleagues to sup- ing, almost begging, for those perma- Additionally, the legislation would port this legislation, but in our own nent homes. provide adoption subsidy assistance to districts across the country, remind I wholeheartedly believe that raising all special-needs kids—these are the these moms and dads and these individ- awareness for adoption, as this resolu- ones that are the hardest to get adopt- uals that want to adopt children that tion does so well, will help place more ed—rather than those children whose we want to make it as easy and safe children in those loving homes. How- birth parents were eligible for welfare and a wonderful experience that it can ever, I believe that we should spend under rules that were in place in 1996. be, and that’s why we’re recognizing more than just 1 day, or even 1 month, The bill expands Federal adoption as- this program today. during the year raising awareness on sistance by delinking eligibility for as- My great appreciation goes out to this issue. Both children and parents sistance from the now defunct AFDC Scott and Kathleen Greenberg as the greatly benefit from adoption, and I program and by phasing in adoption proud parents and to all those other want to applaud all individuals in my subsidy to children by their age and families in Nevada that are part of the home State of Georgia and across this their length of time in foster care. foster program, to all the professionals country who work so tirelessly to bring And finally, the legislation would across the country that are working joy to these families who sometimes provide direct Federal adoption assist- hard to make sure that our children have very little joy. ance to tribal governments who run have safe homes. Madam Speaker, I want to urge all their own child welfare programs. Trib- Today, I ask for your support and my colleagues, and I’m sure they will, al governments would be able to access that of the rest of this body in sup- to support H. Res. 1432. the same service that is now available porting our resolution which recog- Mr. MCDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, to the States. Such services will allow nizes National Adoption Day for No- far too many of our Nation’s most vul- tribal governments to increase the vember 15, 2008. nerable children long for nothing more number of Native American children Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam than a safe and permanent place to call that are adopted out of the tribal fos- Speaker, taking the lead of my chair- home. ter care systems. man, I will close on this important res- As the de facto parents of foster chil- The month of November marks Na- olution, but before I move to that, I dren, it’s our responsibility to ensure tional Adoption Month, and that’s have two speakers on our side who that each child who is unable to safely what this resolution is really all about.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:37 Sep 18, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.040 H17SEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE September 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8321 As we celebrate the countless families affecting their family, and it’s cer- down the price of gasoline. Well, we’ve who have opened their homes and their tainly affecting everyone in this coun- been here almost 2 years. Not until last hearts to children who are in need of a try. And yet we have a do-nothing Con- night did we get a bill, and we know home, I ask my colleagues to join us in gress that has not been willing to take that’s not going to bring down the supporting the goals and the ideals of up that issue. price of gas—but even the rank-and-file National Adoption Month. I am, again, very happy that we’re Democrats who promised their con- Every child deserves nothing less dealing with talking about the needs of stituents that they would vote for than a safe and loving place to call foster parents, talking about pro- bills, even sponsored bills, that they home. By working together in a bipar- moting adoptions. However, what we then would not vote on. tisan fashion, we can do our part to en- could be doing is some real action to I want to mention some of those and sure permanency and success for all bring down the price of gasoline and quote them. Many of them also say the children. truly, truly help American families. they want to stimulate the economy, I reserve the balance of my time. Instead, when given the options of but almost every single one of them Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam doing that, this Democrat majority re- voted against this bipartisan bill au- Speaker, how much time remains on fuses to do it. What they do is they thored by Representatives JOHN PETER- each side? bring up sham bills, bills that are hoax- SON of Pennsylvania and NEIL ABER- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- es and illusions to the American people CROMBIE from Hawaii. Mr. PETERSON is tleman from Illinois has 17 minutes re- and say, well, yes, we have been asked a Republican; Mr. ABERCROMBIE is a maining. The gentleman from Wash- all summer long to drill, to create Democrat. Their bill would lower gas ington has 11 minutes remaining. more supply, and then they bring up prices on behalf of working families Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam bills that don’t do that, that in fact and small businesses. Speaker, at this time, it’s my privilege make it more of a problem to be able to There were 24 Democrats who were to yield 12 minutes to the distinguished create additional supply. And that’s cosponsors of the Peterson-Aber- gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. what happened on this floor yesterday. crombie bill who voted against that FOXX). bill last night after they said they b 1330 Ms. FOXX. I thank my colleague would vote for it. Many of them prom- from Illinois for yielding this time. We started out last year by trying to ised their constituents that they would I certainly am in very, very strong compare the promises that were made vote for it. And I want to give some ex- support of this resolution. I think that by the Speaker—who was then minor- amples of that. it is very important that we pass this ity leader—and the majority leader in Representative NANCY BOYDA, Demo- bill, goals and ideals of National Adop- terms of the promises that they made crat from Kansas, who was a cosponsor tion Month. I, too, have seen the im- and what they were doing. Well, all of the Peterson-Abercrombie bill, voted pact of children having to be in foster along the way it’s been promises made, against it when given an opportunity. care for long periods of time. promises broken. However, earlier in the month, she And as a grandparent of two and re- They said they would have the most issued a press release that promised minded on a constant basis of the fra- open, most bipartisan Congress ever in that she would work to get this bill gility of children, and particularly the history of this country, and what passed. She said, ‘‘I have been working their self-concept and how they inter- do they do? They start out imme- with a large, bipartisan group of Rep- act with other people and their need to diately by bringing bills to the floor resentatives to develop a comprehen- be in loving homes, with parents who that haven’t gone to committee and sive, commonsense energy bill. Our really want them and make them feel that are not allowed to be amended. [Peterson-Abercrombie] bill would pro- accepted and help them succeed from They continue to do that. They did vide sorely needed relief for Kansas birth through adulthood, it makes a that again yesterday. families. It will help create energy huge difference in the life of a child to The bill that they brought up did not independence for America and millions be in a stable environment instead of go through the committee structure. In of jobs to help stabilize our struggling being moved from foster home to foster fact, I read the bill last night, and I economy.’’ Representative NANCY home. meant to count how many committees BOYDA, Democrat, Kansas, press re- I admire tremendously the people but there must have been eight or 10 lease, 9/04/08. who open their homes and open their committees that this bill was supposed She issued that press release and hearts to children who are not their to go through. It went through none of then voted against the very same bill birth children, and I commend them for them. It was written in the Speaker’s she had told her constituents she was being willing to do that and want us to office. Nobody got a chance to see it working to get passed. pass this resolution and acknowledge until about 12 hours before we were Representative BARON HILL, Demo- those people. going to vote on it. It was 290 pages crat of Indiana, a cosponsor of the Pe- But I think one of the most impor- long. It was brought to the floor with terson-Abercrombie bill, once said, ‘‘I tant things that we could do for all no opportunity to amend it. hope this bipartisan bill will indeed be families in this country, not just those The Republicans had one opportunity brought to the floor.’’ But when given who are good foster parents, not just to have an impact on the bill, and that a chance, he voted against it. those who open their homes to become was in a motion to recommit. And in Again, in a press release dated Au- adoptive parents, but those who are that motion to recommit, we offered a gust 14, 2008, he said, ‘‘I hope this bi- struggling every day with their own bipartisan bill, a bill called the Peter- partisan bill will indeed be brought to children, is to do what we possibly can son-Abercrombie bill put together by the floor for a vote when we return to to bring down the price of gasoline and Democrats and Republicans, and we of- Washington in September.’’ HILL said, fuel oil. fered that as an option to the bill that ‘‘It would provide immediate relief, We are facing a major problem in this was being brought up because the bill while also bolstering development of country. Families are facing major that was voted on last night is going to new energy sources in order to move problems in this country because of the lock up over 90 percent of the oil re- this country closer to energy independ- high price of gasoline. serves off the coasts of this country ence.’’ Again, Representative BARON I received a letter from a Boy Scout and put them out of reach for us per- HILL, Democrat, Indiana, press release recently who said to me, ‘‘I’m afraid manently. August 14, 2008. we’re going to not be able to continue And I want to talk about how it’s not These press releases show that what to go to church on Sundays because of been only the people in charge of this the press here in Washington is report- the high price of gasoline.’’ Those are Congress—the Speaker and the major- ing is that the bill that was brought up the kinds of things that tear at any ity leader, they’re the ones who are in last night by the Democrats was only person’s heart because you know that charge; they’ve broken every promise brought up to provide cover for Demo- that’s coming from the heart of a child that they have made. They even prom- crats who are in vulnerable seats this who has heard his parents talking ised in 2006 that we would have a com- fall. There was never any intention of about how the high price of gasoline is monsense energy plan that would bring that bill becoming law. They wanted to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:34 Sep 18, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.041 H17SEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE H8322 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2008 give them a chance to say they voted Mr. MCDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, I box, Madam Speaker. We don’t know for drilling when in fact the bill doesn’t reserve the balance of my time. that. provide for additional gas and oil. Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam While it’s true that greenhouse gases It’s never going to be passed by the Speaker, I believe I have 5 remaining probably do cause a little bit of global Senate. The Senators, even Democratic minutes; is that correct? warming— Senators, have said the bill is dead on The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The arrival in the Senate. tleman has 5 minutes remaining. time of the gentleman has expired. Another Democrat who was a cospon- Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam sor of the Peterson-Abercrombie bill Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the dis- Speaker, I yield the gentleman an addi- who also voted against it was Rep- tinguished gentleman from Georgia tional 15 seconds. resentative STEVE KAGEN, Democrat (Mr. GINGREY). Mr. GINGREY. I mean, these things from Wisconsin. Mr. GINGREY. Madam Speaker, I’d might cause some harm, but how do we Here is a quote from the Herald like to thank the gentleman for yield- know that eventually we might create Times in Wisconsin, 9/13/08. ‘‘Kagen, ing. a country of alcoholics by burning all who signed onto the bill Tuesday, said As I spoke earlier in regard to this of this ethanol in our automobiles? the Abercrombie-Peterson bill ’really bill in support of adoption and adop- People today are starving to death be- is a comprehensive energy policy and a tion week, certainly it’s a great resolu- cause they don’t have jobs, and I think roadmap forward. That bill has the bal- tion that our colleague, Representative that’s the first priority. ance in investing in renewable sources. PORTER from Nevada, brings forward. Let’s get this economy back on It raises royalty (fees) from those who But I, too, wanted to take the oppor- track, and let’s get a decent energy bill are drilling and it doesn’t limit drilling tunity in my few minutes to talk a lit- and do it right now. to four or five States,’ Kagen said.’’ tle bit more about this energy situa- Mr. MCDERMOTT. I continue to re- The headline on that story was ‘‘Con- tion. serve. gress Sitting on An Energy Hot Seat.’’ I think that the problem is that a lot Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam Speaker PELOSI has said over and of people in this country—and cer- Speaker, I have no additional speakers, over again that they’re going to create tainly it would appear that the leader- so I will take this opportunity to close. an energy strategy that’s going to ship of this House, Ms. PELOSI, the Madam Speaker, I rise today in favor make it look like vulnerable Demo- Speaker, and the leadership of the Sen- of this resolution authored by my crats are voting on real energy reform ate, the Majority Leader, Mr. REID of friend, JON PORTER, who is a strong ad- without actually doing it. She stated Nevada—are completely convinced that vocate for adoption and foster children that herself. But they went a step fur- fossil fuel is a bad thing and it needs to while serving on the House Ways and ther than that. These people cospon- be stamped out, eliminated; kill that Means Committee. sored a bill and pledged to support it sucker dead as soon as possible. Of course this resolution promotes and then voted against it when given a The quotes that I have heard, I think awareness of adoption and of the chil- chance to do it. Senator REID said, ‘‘Fossil fuel,’’ which Madam Speaker, I would like to in- dren in foster care awaiting loving, includes, of course, coal and petroleum adoptive families. I want to recognize clude in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD today the list of all 24 Democrats who and natural gas, ‘‘Fossil fuel is poison, all of those parents who have opened were for this bill before they were and we need to get rid of all fossil fuel their hearts and homes to provide a against it. in the good old U.S.A. by the year loving foster home or adopted home for Again, yesterday, though, the House 2020.’’ children. Democrats in charge denied Repub- Madam Speaker, when I asked during In my home State of Illinois, 1,740 licans the opportunity to a full debate, the August recess about whether or not children were adopted from foster care an honest vote on the American En- she would come back and allow some in 2006. Nationwide, 51,000 children ergy Act, the Republican bill that does drilling to obtain our own domestic moved from foster care to adoption do all of the above to help working sources of fossil fuel, she said, ‘‘I want this past year. However, with nearly families and small businesses dealing to save the planet.’’ She hit her fist on 500,000 children in the foster care sys- with record fuel costs. the table and said again, for emphasis, tem and approximately 130,000 of these But this fight is not over. We are ‘‘I want to save the planet.’’ children waiting for a family to adopt going to continue to bring this message A spokesperson for the Sierra Club, them, we have much more work to do. to the American people. It’s important maybe it was the president of the Si- That’s why I’m so pleased that this that the American people know that erra Club, Madam Speaker, said it’s a House is ready to pass this resolution the Democrats are in charge, they are good thing that American people are marking National Adoption Day and the ones responsible for the high gas now having to pay these astronomical National Adoption Month, but it’s also prices, and I hope the American people prices for petroleum. paired with the important bipartisan will hold them responsible this fall. In other words, the idea is this is legislation this House just considered Speaker Pelosi and her leadership team such a horrible thing, this burning of and just voted unanimously to approve have made no bones about their elaborate coal, which, by the way, generates 65 which provides greater incentives to strategy of making it look like vulnerable percent of our electricity, this driving provide loving homes to children in Democrats are voting on real energy reform cars and trucks and using gasoline and need of adoption as well as foster chil- without actually doing it. But these Demo- crats took it a step further: They cospon- diesel fuel in our trains. Literally, our dren in need of a loving home. Again, I sored a bill and pledged to support it and transportation system couldn’t func- want to commend my colleagues for then rejected it when given an up-or-down tion without fossil fuels. that bipartisan effort. vote. Here is a list of all 24 Democrats who Now there may come a day, and I urge all Members to support this were for it before they were against it: Rep. hopefully there will come a day, when resolution, to work with the many Neil Abercrombie (D–HI), Rep. Sanford we will be able to wean ourselves off of dedicated faith-based and other groups Bishop (D–GA), Rep. Dan Boren (D–OK), Rep. fossil fuel and come up with some other in their districts who promote adop- Nancy Boyda (D–KS), Rep. Dennis Cardoza alternatives, alternatives like wind and (D–CA), Rep. Jim Costa (D–CA), Rep. Bud tion, not only in November but every Cramer (D–AL), Rep. Henry Cuellar (D–TX), solar and bio-products and ethanol that month of the year. There can be no Rep. Artur Davis (D–AL), Rep. Lincoln Davis absolutely give us great efficiency for greater gift to a child who has been re- (D–TN), Rep. Bart Gordon (D–TN), Rep. Gene our needs, electricity and transpor- moved from his or her own parents Green (D–TX), Rep. Phil Hare (D–IL), Rep. tation, and cause us absolutely no than to find new, loving, adoptive par- Baron Hill (D–IN), Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee harm and that we have a tremendous ents who want to care for him or her as (D–TX), Rep. William Jefferson (D–LA), Rep. abundance of all of these alternatives their own. Steve Kagen (D–WI), Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D– and renewables so that we’re not de- Madam Speaker, I urge bipartisan PA), Rep. Charlie Melancon (D–LA), Rep. Patrick Murphy (D–PA), Rep. Solomon Ortiz pendent on anybody. That is kind of a support for this important resolution (D–TX), Rep. Collin Peterson (D–MN), Rep. euphoria, and hopefully it will one day offered by my friend and colleague, JON Ciro Rodriguez (D–TX), Rep. Mike Ross (D– occur. But we don’t know for sure that PORTER of Nevada. AR). it might not be opening up Pandora’s I yield back the balance of my time.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:37 Sep 18, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.042 H17SEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE September 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8323 b 1345 renewable energy in this country that knows. But we didn’t drill a single bit, Mr. MCDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, needs to be done. and yet the gasoline prices came down. may I inquire as to how much time is Now, by contrast, the Boehner bill So what is it that makes them go up remaining. that was brought out here had no pay- and what makes them go down? The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- ment for anything, just increase the Nothing in this bill from Mr. tleman from Washington has 11 min- national debt. That is the Republican BOEHNER has anything whatsoever to utes remaining. plan for this country: Do whatever you say about speculation or about oil com- Mr. MCDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, want, spend whatever you want, drive pany profits, not one single word. All it has been a pleasure to work with Mr. up the national debt, and leave it for he says is, open it up, let them drill WELLER on these two bills and this res- these foster kids and these adopted anywhere they want. Let them go and olution through the Congress. And cer- kids. They’re going to pay for it. Most sink a drill. In fact, we got some votes tainly I have enjoyed working with of the Members in here will be dead be- out of the Republicans because they ac- him and have never felt that any cour- fore we get anywhere near paying for tually were drilling in places where the tesy I’ve extended him has been any- the debt that’s been driven up by this military said this kind of creates a thing but reciprocal in our dealings. Congress. And yesterday’s oil bill was problem, please don’t drill there; don’t However, there has been on the floor just more of the same. let that area be open for drilling. here some discussion of some extra- Now, the other part of it that’s really And so when people come out here neous material that I struggle to hear sort of interesting, our bill required ac- and stand out here and say over and how the connection was to adoption tually using the leases that they al- over again, ‘‘we have to drill, drill, subsidies or options or foster kids, but ready have, sort of ‘‘use it or lose it.’’ drill, drill, drill, that’s going to fix it I’m sure there was one someplace They have millions of acres under all,’’ they haven’t looked at our bill. there—all the speakers at least men- lease, but they want to get something Now, the Senate is over there, and tioned it sort of in passing and then more out there somewhere, I don’t they’re going to send us over a bill here went on to talk about energy. know. If you go out 50 miles off the shortly to extend the tax credits on Now, as these adoptive parents, many coast of California and Washington wind and on solar and on geothermal of them ordinary folks, want to drive State, you’re at about 10,000 feet. If you because they know that renewable en- down to get the child at the adoption think you’re going to drill for oil out ergy is the way this country has to go. agency, they’re going to have to buy there, you have never been on the West We are not going to solve our problem gasoline. And gasoline has gotten out coast of this country and looked at by drilling inside the Continental Shelf of control. Lots of people want to what we have for an ocean. of the United States. blame oil companies or speculators or So, this business about ‘‘drill, drill, If the President wanted to bring gas a lot of other things. And the question drill, oh, good, drill, drill, drill,’’ it prices down, all he would have to do is is, do you really want to help those makes a nice slogan, probably goes on release some of the oil out of the oil re- people? a bumper strip pretty well, but the serve. We’ve got millions of gallons of Now, there is going to be a stimulus basic assumption behind that bumper gasoline sitting out there. And if the package coming out. And if we put gas strip is that the American people are market truly is what we say it is, if stamps in it—the average person under stupid. It seems like the Republican there is more supply, then the price 300 percent of poverty will spend $1,000 Party thinks that the American people should come down. Well, dump some of more a year for gasoline, so if we gave are stupid, and if they can just get into that reserve out onto the market. It them gas stamps like we give them chanting, ‘‘drill, drill, drill, drill, drill, was done once before and gasoline food stamps for $500, we could cut that drill,’’ that somehow the price of gaso- dropped about 15 cents a gallon, but price in half. And I hope that all my line will come down. I don’t know if not under this President. They want to colleagues on the other side, if that that is some kind of a mantra, maybe keep it up there and keep talking happens to be in the stimulus package, it’s some kind of magical thing they about drilling because this administra- will consider voting for it this time. got from a witch doctor somewhere. tion has been an oil administration There is a question in my mind, how- But drilling everywhere is not going to from the very first week. When the ever, about the description of what bring down the price of gasoline. Vice President of the United States went on last night. It’s as though the We’ve seen in the last month gasoline had in his office a great conference Democrats didn’t propose anything. go from $150 a barrel down to wherever with all the oil people in this country It’s as though we just sort of walked it is today, somewhere below $100. And and has kept secret for 8 solid years around and fiddled around and looked has gasoline dropped by 33 percent? Is what was decided there, you have to at the sky. But, in fact, there was a gasoline down to $3 or down to $2.70? wonder about what’s happened to this very good proposal here on the floor. And why did it come down? Because we country and the average taxpayer and There was money for renewable energy drilled? No. Because the speculators the average person in this society. standards. There was money for stra- got worried. The speculators got wor- So we’re here today to deal with a tegic energy reserve to be invested in ried that Americans were getting few problems of some kids. And I really renewable energy. There was royalty smart and they were figuring ways to appreciate the efforts that have gone in reform. Can you believe that the oil get around without using gasoline. And by the bipartisan support on the com- companies never give any money to the so consumption has come down in this mittee. And I don’t really like to get Federal Government? country, and suddenly the speculators out here and talk like this, but you And this bill last night said, look, we are really worried. just can’t stand here or sit here and lis- want to repeal the tax subsidies and What if the American people don’t do ten to that baloney without ultimately make the oil companies pay their fair what we expect them to do? What if saying, do they really care, or is it just share for drilling on public lands. Now, they don’t buy big gas guzzlers any- about winning an election? Is it look- that’s land that belongs to you and me more? They buy cars that get 35–40 ing for a bumper strip that will work and the foster kids and the children miles per gallon. I drove from my and that the American people will hear who are being adopted. But the oil house in Seattle to Spokane for the ‘‘drill, drill, drill’’? companies have some idea that they State convention, over the Cascade They’re going to do it all day long. don’t think they should have to pay Mountains, over 5,000-foot peaks, and Every single suspension bill has 20 min- any royalty when they suck the oil out you know what? I got 49.5 miles per utes on each side. So on the Republican and then sell it to us at four bucks a gallon. side, we’re going to be treated to the gallon. Now, that seems like a good Now, the oil companies are really same litany. It will be different people, proposal. worried that a lot of people are going I hope. I mean, I don’t want the same We also paid for the bill last night by to start doing that, and so the specula- person coming out here. They’re prob- taking $18 billion that was allowed in a tion on where the price of oil is going ably lined up somewhere back in the loophole several years ago. We closed to be started coming down. But it cloak room getting ready to come out that loophole and said we’re going to didn’t affect anything at the pump— on the next bill. But the fact is the use it to do the future development of maybe 10 cents, maybe five cents, who American people aren’t stupid.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:37 Sep 18, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.044 H17SEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE H8324 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2008 I was saying to my staff as we were ized until the child is 18, so that income will Vine Street in New Lenox, Illinois, shall be listening to this, can you imagine not be a barrier to becoming a parent to a fos- known and designated as the ‘‘Jacob M. Low- grandma or mom or a father who is out ter child who needs to belong to a family. ell Post Office Building’’. of work? I mean, unemployment in this (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, Passing H.R. 1432 is essential for Congress map, regulation, document, paper, or other country is now over 6 percent; it’s gone to demonstrate their support for placing chil- record of the United States to the facility re- up. You’ve got banks crashing all over dren in safe and positive family environments. ferred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to the place; you’ve got the Federal Gov- The first National Adoption Day was in the be a reference to the ‘‘Jacob M. Lowell Post ernment putting $85 billion into trying year 2000; since then, 20,000 children have Office Building’’. to save AIG, and you’re talking about joined families during National Adoption Day, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ‘‘drill, drill, drill.’’ and in 2006, adoptions were finalized for over ant to the rule, the gentleman from Il- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam 3,300 children through more than 250 National linois (Mr. DAVIS) and the gentle- Speaker, I stand here today in support of H.R. Adoption Day events in all 50 States, the Dis- woman from North Carolina (Ms. FOXX) 1432, ‘‘Supporting the Goals and Ideals of Na- trict of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. each will control 20 minutes. tional Adoption Day and National Adoption We must continue to take stride to reach out The Chair recognizes the gentleman Month by Promoting National Awareness of and do our best to encourage safe, positive from Illinois. Adoption and the Children in Foster Care environment for the children of the United GENERAL LEAVE Awaiting Families, Celebrating Children and States. This resolution will enhance the sup- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speak- Families Involved in Adoption, Recognizing port for successful adoptions and their support er, I ask unanimous consent that all Current Programs and Efforts Designed to for National Adoption Month in November. Members may have 5 legislative days Promote Adoption, and Encouraging People in When orphaned children are placed in a posi- in which to revise and extend their re- the United States to Seek Improved Safety, tive, encouraging, and permanent family envi- marks. Permanency, and Well-Being for All Children’’ ronment, they are in a situation where they The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there introduced by Congressman PORTER. can grow and experience life in a non-threat- objection to the request of the gen- The fundamental purpose of adoption is to ening way. Adoption is something that benefits tleman from Illinois? serve the best interests of children. It does so the entire Nation as our children are given There was no objection. by providing loving, responsible, and legally places where they can feel secure. Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speak- permanent parents when their biological par- I firmly believe that we must pass this legis- er, I now yield myself such time as I ents cannot or will not parent them. Serving lation to demonstrate our support for Adoption may consume. the best interests of children should be para- and National Adoption month. This legislation Madam Speaker, as a member of the mount in deciding all issues of adoption policy will enable us to promote healthy and safe House Committee on Oversight and and practice. adoptions and celebrate the successful adop- Government Reform, I stand with my Adoption is healthy, satisfying, and good for tions that ensure the well-being of children. colleagues from my home State of Illi- children, not an enduring challenge to identity Mr. McDERMOTT. I urge my col- nois in consideration of H.R. 6681, and wholeness. The children may have addi- leagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on this resolu- which renames the postal facility in tional questions and curiosities to sort out, but tion. New Lenox, Illinois, in honor of Jacob adoption is not a psychological burden or pa- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The M. Lowell. thology as some theorists treat it. Adoption is question is on the motion offered by H.R. 6681 enjoys the support of the the way one joined one’s family, not a defining the gentleman from Washington (Mr. entire House congressional delegation characteristic or lifelong process. Persons MCDERMOTT) that the House suspend from Illinois and was introduced by adopted as infants grow up as healthy and the rules and agree to the resolution, Representative JERRY WELLER back on productive as people raised in their biological H. Res. 1432. July 30, 2008. The measure was taken families. To the extent there can be a greater The question was taken. up by the Oversight Committee on Sep- risk of emotional or behavioral problems for The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the tember 10, 2008 and was passed by the children adopted out of foster care at later opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being panel by a voice vote. ages, the correlation is not the result of being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. H.R. 6681 calls for honoring Jacob M. adopted, but rather of difficulties experienced Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam Lowell’s service to this country. Jacob prior to adoption, such as neglect or abuse. Speaker, I object to the vote on the M. Lowell of New Lenox, Illinois, was The vast majority of foster children make the ground that a quorum is not present assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd In- transition into their adoptive families and grow and make the point of order that a fantry Regiment (Air Assault), 173rd up very successfully. quorum is not present. Airborne Brigade, Camp Ederle, Italy, Today, in the United States there are The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- when he died on June 2 near 500,000 children in the foster care system and ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Gowardesh, Afghanistan. He died of of those children, there are 129,000 waiting for Chair’s prior announcement, further wounds suffered when his unit came families to adopt them. The number of youth proceedings on this motion will be into contact with enemy forces using a who ‘‘age out’’ of the foster care system by postponed. rocket-propelled grenade and small reaching adulthood without being placed in a The point of no quorum is considered arms fire. This heroic son of Illinois permanent home has increased by more than withdrawn. was just 22 years old when he passed 58 percent since 1998, as nearly 27,000 foster f away. youth ‘‘aged out’’ of foster care during 2007 Army Specialist Lowell played foot- JACOB M. LOWELL POST OFFICE which is appalling and unacceptable. In addi- ball for Lincoln-Way Central High BUILDING tion, 3 in 10 people in the United States have School in New Lenox, Illinois. considered adoption; a majority of them have Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speak- b 1400 misconceptions about the process of adopting er, I move to suspend the rules and children from foster care. Many Americans, pass the bill (H.R. 6681) to designate He graduated in 2003 and 2 years later approximately 45 percent believe that children the facility of the United States Postal enlisted in the Army. According to his enter the foster care system because of juve- Service located at 300 Vine Street in family, Jacob joined the Army because nile delinquency. The reality of the matter is New Lenox, Illinois, as the ‘‘Jacob M. he wanted to serve his country. that the vast majority of children in the foster Lowell Post Office Building’’. Madam Speaker, in honor of Jacob care system were victims of neglect, abandon- The Clerk read the title of the bill. M. Lowell’s service, I urge that we pass ment, or abuse. Furthermore, almost half of The text of the bill is as follows: without reservation H.R. 6681 and re- the American population believes that foster H.R. 6681 name the postal facility on Vine Street care adoption is expensive and are not aware in New Lenox, Illinois, after this great Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- of the fact that there is no substantial cost for resentatives of the United States of America in American serviceman. adopting children from foster care. Moreover, Congress assembled, I reserve the balance of my time. financial support in the form of an adoption as- SECTION 1. JACOB M. LOWELL POST OFFICE Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield sistance subsidy is available to adoptive fami- BUILDING. myself such time as I may consume. lies of eligible children adopted from foster (a) DESIGNATION.—The facility of the Madam Speaker, I rise this afternoon to pay care and continues after the adoption is final- United States Postal Service located at 300 tribute to a remarkable American and true

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