[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 28, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H2492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    PROTECTING ADOPTED CHILDREN ACT

  (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support 
of the Protecting Adopted Children Act, which was introduced by 
Congressman Jim Langevin this afternoon.
  By now, we have all read the reports about adopted children who have 
been ``rehomed'' by their legal adoptive parents. These children 
usually end up in the custody of strangers through arrangements that 
are often illegally made online in hidden Internet groups.
  In order to combat these transfers, Representatives Jim Langevin, Rob 
Wittman, and I have crafted legislation that provides protections and 
support services for adopted children and their families.
  This legislation provides a more stable home for children with pre 
and postadoptive support services, such as training and counseling for 
parents, mentoring, and treatment services specifically for adopted 
children.
  The bill also expands the scope of the preexisting Internet Crimes 
Against Children Task Force under the Department of Justice to include 
combating the illegal transfer of a child.
  I firmly believe that this measure gives law enforcement the tools it 
needs to combat illegal transfers, which we have learned through 
investigative reporting, typically take place online.
  We must be committed to helping these children succeed in a family 
that they may call their own.

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