[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20097]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 IMPROVED ADOPTION INCENTIVES AND RELATIVE GUARDIANSHIP SUPPORT ACT OF 
                                  2008

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I thank my friend from Montana, Senator 
Baucus, for the terrific work he did when I talked to him on the Senate 
floor in July and he made a point of speeding up and shepherding 
through the Improved Adoption Incentives and Relative Guardianship 
Support Act of 2008. It was his leadership that made such a difference. 
I am proud to be a cosponsor of that bill, which was introduced by 
Senator Grassley in May and passed the Finance Committee unanimously 
earlier this month.
  Since its enactment in 1998, the Adoption Incentives Program has 
helped nearly 450,000 children in all 50 States and the District of 
Columbia move from foster care to permanent homes. In my State of Ohio, 
more than 18,000 adoptions have been finalized through this program. It 
has helped incredible people such as Joe and Becky Puckett of Conover, 
OH. After raising children of their own, the Pucketts adopted four 
children with special needs out of the foster care system. Without 
reauthorization, this important program would have expired on September 
30. Thankfully, this bill passed last night by unanimous consent.
  I commend the senior Senator from Montana and others for their 
tireless support and the hard work they have done on behalf of adopted 
children and families who adopt in our great country. I thank the 
Senator from Montana.
  I yield the floor, Mr. President.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak in 
morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Illinois is recognized.

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