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After Katrina, Who Will Defend Foster Children?
House of Representatives - September 14, 2005

Mr. Speaker, I rise in defense of children, I wish we were all standing together on behalf of foster children created by Katrina.

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The other day I introduced the "Emergency Action for Vulnerable Children" Act, H.R. 3711. Today I offer 3711 as an amendment to the "Child Safety Act of 2005."

There is not a moment to lose. We must accept responsibility for the safety and welfare of foster children affected in this crisis. When Katrina slammed into the gulf coast thousands of foster children were separated from foster families and shelters and they will fall through the social safety net unless we act.

In drafting this legislation, I worked closely with the National Foster Parents Association and the Child Welfare League of America. These organizations are working directly with others on the ground in the affected region and they said what we needed to hear, the federal government's become an immediate and reliable partner for states trying to cope with the human needs that are outstripping their individual ability to effectively respond.

Late yesterday, the Child Welfare League, which represents 900 public and private caregivers across the country, endorsed the "Emergency Action for Vulnerable Children."

Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to enter into the record the Child Welfare endorsement letter and I would like to quote from the letter.

"Many child Welfare League of America agencies are working in the disaster areas to connect children with their families and to continue to provide services to the children in their care. They report to us directly about their struggles in attempting to meet the needs of children and families devastated by the disaster. H.R. 3711 begins to address these issues. It will take a sustained effort on the part of volunteers and local, state, and federal government to help these children and families."

Continuing the quote, "This legislation provides an assurance that the federal government stands as a partner with the state and local governments to meet the needs of these children."

Mr Speaker, there are no gotchyas in this amendment. Its intent is clear and the focus on much-needed resources on foster children affected by the hurricane. The legislation is bipartisan in spirit and humanitarian effect.

The current child welfare program cannot handle the crisis of this magnitude. Rules of eligibility vary from state to state. In many cases vulnerable children may not be receiving mental health treatment or family counseling and we can change that because H.R. 3711 cuts through the red tape and makes the federal government, appropriately in a national crisis, responsible for paying for urgently needed care.

This is no time for a boat load of rules and regulations; this is a time to provide a boat load of help. With one vote we can demonstrate our leadership in this time of national crisis.

With one vote we can make every foster child entitled to immediate federal help. There is no reason to wait. There is no justification to wait. Katrina is a natural disaster and a national crisis.

This act is a rescue mission, plain and simple.

Mr. Speaker, given the magnitude of the crisis and urgency of the need, I urge my colleagues to allow my amendment to be voted on. If there was an alternative before us, I could accept that as a price of speaking for the Minority party, but no such legislation exists.

Mr. Speaker, the question really is if not now, when? If not us, who will defend and save these children?

We witnessed the horror and the tragedy on TV, thousands of foster children lived through that. The image in their minds, the insecurity in their hearts is real and overwhelming. We cannot leave them alone.

As the ranking Democrat on the Human Resources Subcommittee, this committee is responsible for protecting these children. We cannot turn our backs and hope that somehow, some way, someone somewhere will respond to the needs of these children.

Across this country, Americans are responding to the crisis. The only way they know how by stepping up with a big heart and an open wallet to help their fellow Americans in need. They're looking to us to lead a nation through this crisis.

We did it once together. We can do it again. Let's prove that by saving the children today. Thank you.