[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 26, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. REID (for Mr. Rockefeller (for himself, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. 
        Kohl, and Ms. Snowe):
  S. 195. A bill to reinstate Federal matching of State spending of 
child support incentive payments; to the Committee on Finance.
  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, today, I rise to introduce the Child 
Support Protection Act of 2011 with my colleagues, Senators Cornyn, 
Kohl, and Snowe. This bill continues the long-standing, bipartisan 
support of Congress for the Child Support Enforcement program, which 
began with the passage of the authorizing legislation in 1974.
  Child support enforcement is a strong partnership between the Federal 
Government and State governments to help parents provide long-term 
support for their children. It includes a network of 60,000 dedicated 
staff serving 17 million children across this country. It provided 
$24.4 billion to children in 2009. The Congressional Research Service 
reports that receipt of child support reduces child poverty by nearly 
25 percent. The Urban Institute estimates that $4 in child support 
expenditures reduces spending in other public programs by $5.
  So, the Child Support Enforcement program's results are impressive 
and it is widely recognized as one of the most effective programs 
operated by the Federal Government. In fact, the program is notable for 
collecting $4.78 for each dollar of expenditure. It is a true bargain 
that works well.
  Child support programs do much more than just collect money. It works 
with noncustodial parents who need employment so that they can make 
regular payments. Child support staff also plays a critical role in 
times of high unemployment, by processing adjustments to support orders 
so that noncustodial parents do not fall hopelessly behind.
  When Congress passed the Child Support Performance and Incentive Act 
of 1998, CSPIA, it created an innovative incentive program that rewards 
efficient, results-oriented child support enforcement efforts. These 
earned performance incentives must be used for child support 
activities. One of every four dollars from State expenditures to fund 
the child support program comes from CSPIA incentives and matched 
Federal funds. The Deficit Reduction Act, DRA, of 2005 repealed the 
authority to use the earned performance incentives as a match for 
Federal funds. The bill we have introduced today reverses the funding 
reduction imposed by the DRA.
  States are using the incentives in a variety of ways. In my State of 
West Virginia, the incentive dollars are being used to invest in 
technology to upgrade services and enhance customer service. Thirty 
States or territories are investing in staff and program operations. 
Sixteen States are investing in technology, and three others are 
investing in customer service programs.
  The Child Support Protection Act would give States the authority to 
use earned performance incentives to fund this important work and 
continue the impressive results that are being achieved. This permanent 
reversal is critical so that those in State and local government can 
budget for the future. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to cosponsor 
this much needed legislation that is not only important to child 
support enforcement, but our children, their families, and the States.
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