[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 82 (Thursday, June 12, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H3723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PROMOTION OF FATHERHOOD IS CRITICAL

  (Mr. TURNER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, as we approach this Father's Day, many of us 
are fortunate to reflect upon the positive influence of our own fathers 
and to feel the sense of joy that comes from being a father. We 
understand that the experience of having a father is critical to 
shaping our lives, and we know that there are numerous studies that 
have been done that point out that loving, committed fathers help 
children get a better start in life.
  According to the Journal of Family Issues, interaction between 
children and their fathers improves the child's early mental 
development and physical well-being. We know that children who grow up 
with committed fathers are less likely to get involved with gangs and 
drugs and turn out to be better parents themselves. That is why the 
Book of Proverbs tells us to train the child in the way he should go, 
and when he is old he will not depart from it.
  A group of Members in this House have joined together to form the 
Fatherhood Promotion Task Force for the purpose of examining Government 
policies to ensure that those policies promote, encourage, and support 
families. Every child deserves the love and care of a responsible 
adult, and the promotion of fatherhood is critical to our future.

                          ____________________