[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 197 (Thursday, November 30, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1148-E1149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING CREDIT UNIONS FOR WORKING TO MAKE ADOPTION AFFORDABLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ZACHARY NUNN

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 30, 2023

  Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, this month is National Adoption 
Month--a source of joy to so many families. This year, my wife Kelly 
and I have been blessed to welcome two adorable sisters into our family 
through adoption.
  In Congress, I'm determined to make that same joy Kelly and I have 
experienced a reality for other families in Iowa and across the 
country. Unfortunately, the financial cost can be a significant barrier 
to adoption. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 
the cost of adoption ranges between $20,000 to $50,000.

[[Page E1149]]

  That's why, I've introduced the Fight For Families Act to help low- 
and middle-income families afford adoption. Every child deserves a 
loving home, and I'm determined to ensure that the federal government 
does not stand in the way of that mission.
  To that same end, I also want to thank the credit unions in my home 
state of Iowa and around the country who are offering affordable loans 
specifically designed for adoption costs--such as a home study or legal 
fees--and are built around supporting families through the multi-year 
adoption process. With credit union adoption loans, families are not 
burdened by excessive interest rates when pursuing an adoption.
  The bottom line is that Congress must do more to lower the cost of 
adoption because we have too many children without forever homes. But 
until then, I'm heartened to see credit unions stand up and serve our 
communities in this important way.

                          ____________________