[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1115]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS OF FATHERS

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                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1389, 
which recognizes the important role that fathers play in the lives of 
their children. While Father's Day is celebrated once a year, the 
responsibility of being a father never ceases.
  According to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2009, over 24 million 
children live apart from their biological fathers. That is 1 out of 
every 3 children in the United States. Nearly 2 out of every 3 African 
American children live apart from their biological fathers. While we 
honor biological fathers, we should also remember the many men that 
serve as father figures in the lives of children across the country. 
These truly special individuals consist of grandfathers, uncles, 
adoptive fathers, step-fathers, and anyone else who provides a 
parenting role. No one requires them to assume this responsibility, but 
they do so selflessly and without complaint.
  Children with involved fathers are less likely to have behavioral 
problems, abuse drugs, and live in poverty. A child with an involved 
father is more likely to stay in school, go to college, and be 
successful later in life. Clearly, the presence of father figures in 
homes across the country is absolutely critical to the healthy 
development of our young people.
  We also owe special recognition to the single fathers in California's 
37th District and across the country. These fathers work longer and 
harder to ensure that their children have the resources and care they 
need to experience a fulfilling childhood and to grow into well-rounded 
adults. Many of these single fathers work extra hours just to put food 
on the table and meet their children's needs.
  Lastly, Mr. Speaker, we should pay tribute to the fathers who are 
unable to be with their children this Father's Day. These individuals 
include the men serving overseas in our military, fathers that are 
working to provide for their families, fathers that are incarcerated, 
and fathers that live far away from their children.
  Will Rogers, Jr. once said that his ``heritage to his children wasn't 
words or possessions, but an unspoken treasure, the treasure of his 
example as a man and a father.'' This sentiment perfectly sums up the 
importance of fathers and their role in the lives of our nation's 
youth.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 
1389 and recognizing the important role that fathers play in their 
children's lives.

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