[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 24745]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed 
to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 299 submitted earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 299) to express the support for the 
     goals of National Adoption Month by promoting national 
     awareness of adoption, celebrating children and families 
     involved in adoption, and encouraging Americans to secure 
     safety, permanency, and well-being for all children.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. FRIST. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, 
the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the 
table, and any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 299) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 299

       Whereas there are approximately 532,000 children in the 
     foster care system in the United States, approximately 
     129,000 of whom are waiting to be adopted;
       Whereas the average length of time a child in foster care 
     remains in foster care is almost 3 years;
       Whereas for many foster children, the wait for a loving 
     family in which they are nurtured, comforted, and protected 
     is endless;
       Whereas every year 25,000 children ``age out'' of foster 
     care by reaching adulthood without being placed in a 
     permanent home;
       Whereas, since 1987, the number of annual adoptions has 
     ranged from 118,000 to 127,000;
       Whereas approximately 2,100,000 children in the United 
     States live with adoptive parents;
       Whereas approximately 6 of every 10 Americans have been 
     touched personally by adoption in that they, a family member, 
     or a close friend was adopted, has adopted a child, or has 
     placed a child for adoption;
       Whereas every day loving and nurturing families are formed 
     when committed and dedicated individuals make an important 
     difference in the life of a child through adoption; and
       Whereas on November 4, 2004, the President proclaimed 
     November 2004 as National Adoption Month: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, That the Senate recognizes November 2005 as 
     National Adoption Month.

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