[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CALLING ON JAPAN TO ADDRESS CHILD ABDUCTION CASES

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                               speech of

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 1326. It is time to reunite the families torn apart by the 
abduction and retention of American children in Japan.
  In Tennessee, we have personally been affected by this issue. Sadly I 
have constituents that await the passage of this resolution with high 
hopes and are eager to see their children returned home.
  Without an agreement on international child abduction between the 
U.S. and Japan, many children are left in limbo between feuding 
parents. Custodial arrangements are created to provide the optimal 
environment for children after a divorce. When foreign countries choose 
to not recognize these agreements, they are harming the well being of 
the children.
  The best and most immediate solution to this issue is for Japan to 
adopt the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child 
Abduction. This agreement protects the rights of both parents while 
ensuring the heath and safety of the children.

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