[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 177 (Friday, November 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY

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                        HON. ROBERT T. SCHILLING

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2011

  Mr. SCHILLING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National 
Adoption Day and to celebrate the many families who graciously open 
their homes and their lives to the most vulnerable and often forgotten 
children in our communities. As the father of 10 children I understand 
the importance of family, I also understand the many sacrifices parents 
make to provide the best opportunities for their kids. This is why I 
deeply respect adoptive and foster parents; they so readily take on 
additional expenses and sacrifices to provide a safe home for a child.
  I recently joined the Congressional Caucus on Foster Care which is 
dedicated to protecting and promoting the welfare of the more than 
424,000 children who are part of the foster care system in the U.S. The 
Caucus provides a forum where Members can come together to discuss ways 
we can improve the system and help these children make a successful 
transition out of care and into society.
  Tomorrow, National Adoption Day will be celebrated across the 
country. There are more than 400 events planned to highlight the need 
for more families to open their hearts to children in need and to show 
gratitude to those who have taken that step. I want to thank each and 
every foster parent and adoptive parent for opening your safe and 
loving home to a child. Thank you for taking the time to enrich the 
lives of those children who need it the most.

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