[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 142 (Tuesday, November 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH

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                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 1, 2005

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, November is National Family Caregivers 
Month. This month we celebrate those who care for America's vulnerable 
populations. As a physician, child psychiatrist, and the Ranking Member 
of the Human Resources subcommittee of the House Committee on Ways and 
Means, I have a particular interest in the way the Federal Government 
addresses the needs of abused and neglected children. There are abused 
and neglected children throughout our country. Sometimes we know who 
they are, but too often we don't. They live in big cities, small towns, 
rural areas and every suburb in between. There will always be too many 
abused children, and there will never be enough family caregivers who 
provide vulnerable children with the safety and stability they need to 
thrive.
  Family caregivers open their hearts and homes to our most vulnerable 
populations, and they often do so knowing they will not be recognized 
for their efforts, nor provided Federal support. If the Congress is as 
committed to promoting family values as Members of Congress often say, 
then we should fulfill that commitment by really valuing families and 
providing Federal support to every foster child in family care. When a 
child is removed from a home because of neglect or abuse, the Federal 
Government should have an interest in ensuring the safety and well 
being of those children. But today the Federal Government is primarily 
interested in vulnerable children who live in the homes of strangers. 
We should strive to do better, Mr. Speaker.
  In the meantime let us acknowledge and celebrate family caregivers 
around the Nation by using this month to draw attention to the many 
challenges that face them. Let us celebrate the hard work and 
commitment of those who care every day for vulnerable populations, our 
Nation's family caregivers.

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