III 109th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 299 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES November 3, 2005 Ms. Landrieu (for herself, Mr. DeMint, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Brownback, Mr. Nelson of Nebraska, Mr. Craig, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Coleman, and Mr. Salazar) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION To express support for the goals of National Adoption Month by promoting national awareness of adoption, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, and encouraging Americans to secure safety, permanency, and well-being for all children.

Whereas there are approximately 532,000 children in the foster care system in the United States, approximately 129,000 of whom are waiting to be adopted; Whereas the average length of time a child in foster care remains in foster care is almost 3 years; Whereas for many foster children, the wait for a loving family in which they are nurtured, comforted, and protected is endless; Whereas every year 25,000 children age out of foster care by reaching adulthood without being placed in a permanent home; Whereas, since 1987, the number of annual adoptions has ranged from 118,000 to 127,000; Whereas approximately 2,100,000 children in the United States live with adoptive parents; Whereas approximately 6 of every 10 Americans have been touched personally by adoption in that they, a family member, or a close friend was adopted, has adopted a child, or has placed a child for adoption; Whereas every day loving and nurturing families are formed when committed and dedicated individuals make an important difference in the life of a child through adoption; and Whereas on November 4, 2004, the President proclaimed November 2004 as National Adoption Month: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate recognizes November 2005 as National Adoption Month.