[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 111 (Thursday, July 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CHILD SUPPORT ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 1996

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                            HON. GREG GANSKE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 1996

  Mr. GANSKE. Mr. Speaker, to day I am introducing the Child Support 
Enhancement Act of 1996. This legislation will help ensure that 
deadbeat parents take personal responsibility for their children.
  It takes two people to bring a child into the world and it takes two 
people to raise a child in this world. Unfortunately, in too many 
cases, one parent believes that their responsibility ends when the baby 
is born.
  While we cant legislate and force parents to read to their children, 
attend Little League baseball games or show up at birthday parties, we 
can help make sure there is food in children's mouths and clothes on 
their backs by encouraging financial responsibility. This is the 
personal responsibility of both parents.
  Too often, the failure of parents to take this responsibility 
contributes to custodial parents ending up on welfare--unable to make 
ends meet. Or, they are forced to take on two or more jobs just to keep 
afloat. This keeps them away from their kids who are already one parent 
short.
  Recent statistics are disturbing. In fiscal year 1993, while $20 
billion in child support obligations had been legally established, only 
$13 billion was collected and paid. Additionally, in fiscal year 1994, 
the Child Support Enforcement Program collected child support payments 
for less than 20 percent of its caseload.
  I do not believe that child support is merely a legal duty, it is a 
moral duty.
  That is why I am introducing the Child Support Enforcement Act of 
1996. This bill authorizes the seizure or interception of judgments or 
settlements to private individuals in suits brought against the Federal 
Government. The legislation applies to settlements or judgments in both 
administrative actions and claims in a court of law.
  Currently, State child support enforcement officials and others 
working on behalf of custodial parents can seize or intercept money in 
suits against private individuals and State governments, but only in 
very narrow circumstances can they do this when Uncle Sam is involved.
  If a deadbeat parent is going to receive money from the Federal 
Government, this legislation will help to ensure that the parents 
children get their slice of this money.
  We must continue to close loopholes in the current system and make it 
easier for child support collectors to do their job. This will make 
life easier for our Nation's children.
  For kids' sake, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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