[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 81 (Thursday, May 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING PAM ROMANO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2018

  Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my 
friend from Jefferson, Pam Romano--a tireless advocate for adoptive 
families and children around the world.
  In 2012, Pam and her husband Mark began the process of adopting two 
Russian brothers, Bogdon and Yura. In the same year, though, Russia 
enforced a ban on adoptions to the United States, separating the 
Romanos from their sons.
  Since then, Pam and her husband Mark have assisted children caught in 
the crosshairs of this ban--like their two sons--by raising awareness 
on the issues dividing adoptive families. By meeting with lawmakers and 
sharing her family's story with others, Pam hopes to one day reunite 
with Bogdon and Yura.
  Last year, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute honored 
Pam as an Angel in Adoption, a title given to leaders who have made 
extraordinary strides in helping children in need of a family. 
Moreover, her efforts inspired me to recently introduce the 
Intercountry Adoption Information Act--a bill designed to bring 
transparency to the international adoption landscape, where families 
often struggle to access up-to-date, accurate information they need. to 
navigate the adoption process.
  Pam's efforts to bring her children home reminds us of the unwavering 
power of a mother's love. I'm grateful for her dedication to bridging 
the bureaucratic gaps between families and their adopted children.

                          ____________________