[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 82 (Thursday, June 12, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H3722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                DADS HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEARTS

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, it is that time of year again when America 
honors its dads. This Sunday, we will celebrate Father's Day, a day to 
acknowledge the special place which dads hold in our hearts, a day to 
recognize the role dads have played as father, husband, teacher, 
mentor, provider, caregiver and friend.
  Mr. Speaker, every American has a father, but not every American has 
a dad, one whom they know, love, spend time with and trust. Because of 
this fact, our country has suffered. Indeed, the United States is now 
the world's leader in fatherless families. This has taken its toll in 
our society.
  We know men across America struggle to be good dads, and Members of 
this House know the sacrifices we have to make to live up to our 
responsibilities as fathers. Many of us are co-laborers in the 
struggle. Mr. Speaker, this is why several Members have joined me today 
to establish the Congressional Task Force on Fatherhood Promotion.
  With colleagues from both sides of the aisle, the gentleman from 
North Carolina [Mr. McIntyre], the gentleman from California [Mr. 
Rogan], and the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Turner], I have established 
the Fatherhood Promotion Task Force, first as a result of the unsavory 
fact that fatherlessness is a reality for far too many American 
children and, second, because it is time that men who hold high places 
be the ones to mold a new reality. We must lead by example.
  Mr. Speaker, the time has come for fathers to take hold of and be 
proud of their role as dad.
  I wish every father a happy Father's Day and ask you: Have you loved 
your children today?

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