[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 14, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              ADOPTION PROMOTION AND STABILITY ACT OF 1996

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                               speech of

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 10, 1996

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Adoption 
Promotion and Stability Act. I commend Congresswoman Molinari for 
bringing the important issue of adoption to the floor. H.R. 3286 
attempts to correct the disproportionate representation of minorities 
in the foster care system by preventing discrimination in the placement 
of children on the basis of race, color or national origin. This bill 
also provides adoptive parents up to $5,000 in tax credits to assist in 
adoption expenses.
  Mr. Speaker, the promotion of adoption is one of the most important 
things we can do to strengthen American families. All children, 
regardless of age, sex ethnicity, and physical and emotional health are 
entitled to a family. Adoption enables children, whose parents cannot 
or will not raise them, to become part of a permanent family. 
Furthermore, it serves as a second chance for the thousands of children 
who have been removed from their families because of abuse or neglect.
  The high cost of adoption can be an impediment to many families 
wanting to adopt. With the inclusion of legal fees, court costs and 
charges levied by adoption agencies, the cost of an adoption can exceed 
$15,000. This is a heavy burden for America's low- and middle-income 
families who desire to adopt. The $5,000 adoption tax credit included 
in this may make the difference between a child in foster care becoming 
part of an adoptive family or remaining in foster care indefinitely.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to express my concern regarding the 
title III provision in H.R. 3286 which would overhaul the Indian Child 
Welfare Act [ICWA]. I supported the Young-Miller amendment which would 
have eliminated title III from this bill, and am hopeful that further 
consideration will be given to convening hearings or meetings with the 
Indian community on the title III provision.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3286 represents a positive approach in finding 
homes for our Nation's needy children. Although the bill is not 
flawless, I support this effort to facilitate the adoption of children, 
and to decrease the time that many of our children languish in the 
foster care system. I join with my colleagues in support of this 
legislation.

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