[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 11]
[House]
[Pages 15094-15095]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS OF FATHERS

  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 428) recognizing the immeasurable contributions of 
fathers in the healthy development of children, supporting responsible 
fatherhood, and encouraging greater involvement of fathers in the lives 
of their children, especially on Father's Day.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 428

       Whereas fathers factor significantly in the lives of 
     children;
       Whereas fathers play an important role in teaching their 
     children life lessons and preparing them to succeed in school 
     and in life;
       Whereas children with involved fathers are more likely to 
     do well in school, have a better sense of well-being, and 
     have fewer behavioral problems;
       Whereas supportive fathers promote the positive physical, 
     social, emotional, moral, and mental development of children;
       Whereas promoting responsible fatherhood can help increase 
     the chances that children will grow up with two caring 
     parents;
       Whereas, when fathers are actively involved in the 
     upbringing of children, the children demonstrate greater 
     self-control and a greater ability to take initiative;
       Whereas responsible fatherhood can help reduce child 
     poverty;
       Whereas responsible fatherhood strengthens families and 
     communities; and
       Whereas Father's Day is the third Sunday in June: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) commends the millions of fathers who serve as a 
     wonderful, caring parent for their children;
       (2) calls on fathers across the United States to use 
     Father's Day to reconnect and rededicate themselves to their 
     children's lives, to spend Father's Day with their children, 
     and to express their love and support for their children;
       (3) urges men to understand the level of responsibility 
     fathering a child requires, especially in the encouragement 
     of the mental, moral, social, academic, emotional, physical, 
     and spiritual development of children; and
       (4) encourages active involvement of fathers in the rearing 
     and development of their children, including the devotion of 
     time, energy, and resources.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from the 
Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan) and the gentlewoman from 
Washington (Mrs. McMorris Rodgers) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 
428 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 428, which 
recognizes the immeasurable contributions fathers make in the healthy 
development of children. On June 21, our Nation will celebrate Father's 
Day. Many times fathers know just what to say at the most delicate 
times in our lives. They encourage their children to do their best and 
show them their dreams are possible. Fortunately, involved fathers can 
help prepare children to succeed in school, enhance children's 
emotional development, and reduce childhood poverty. By playing a 
significant role in the lives of children, active fathers provide 
additional support for children to succeed.
  Fathers create great memories with their children. By going to ball 
games, ballet recitals, school events, and other similar activities, 
fathers can generate lasting memories for their kids. Fathers, as role 
models and mentors, help youth reach their potential.
  Unfortunately, many children grow up without fathers. Actually, 25 
million children, one out of three, grow up in homes in which their 
biological fathers do not live. These children are significantly more 
likely to live in poverty, drop out of school, and engage in risky 
behavior.
  It's imperative that our Nation support parents in their efforts to 
raise their children. Parenting is an essential part of a child's 
development, and both mothers and fathers should be best equipped to 
raise their children.
  Today, home visiting programs are great ways to inform parents about 
the resources they have available. These programs work closely with 
parents to help fathers and mothers support their children's 
development.
  H. Res. 428 commends the millions of fathers who serve as a 
wonderful, caring parent for their children. As Father's Day approaches 
on June 21, this legislation asks fathers to take time out to reconnect 
with their children. Father's Day can be used to express love and 
support for their children.
  I also want to note that my wife, Andrea, and my daughter, Patricia, 
are here in the House gallery today. My son, Jesse, will be here soon 
as well. Celebrating Father's Day with the three of them here in 
Washington will make the holiday especially meaningful for me this 
year, and I am grateful to have this time to spend with my children.
  Let us celebrate Father's Day and recognize our Nation's great 
fathers who, every day, are making important contributions in the lives 
of their children.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, I express my support of House Resolution 
428, wish fathers across this country a very happy Father's Day, and 
acknowledge the importance of fathers in the United States.
  I want to thank Representative McIntyre for bringing this resolution 
forward.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 428, which 
recognizes the immeasurable contributions of fathers in the healthy 
development of children, supporting reasonable and responsible 
fatherhood, and encouraging greater involvement of fathers in the lives 
of their children, especially on Father's Day.

                              {time}  1545

  Here is a quote: ``One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.''
  George Herbert, the English clergyman and poet, made this statement 
hundreds of years ago, but it still rings true today. The presence of a 
father is one of the most important factors in a child's life. In fact, 
research has consistently shown that the presence of two committed, 
involved parents directly contributes to better academic performance, 
reduced substance abuse, less crime and delinquency, fewer emotional 
and other behavioral problems, less risk of abuse or neglect, and a 
lower risk of teen suicide.
  Research conducted by the National Fatherhood Initiative shows that 
24 million children do not live with their biological fathers, that 
nearly 20 million live in single-parent households and that about 40 
percent of children in father-absent homes have not seen their fathers 
at all in the past year; 26 percent of absent fathers live in different 
States than their children, and 50 percent of children living absent 
their fathers have never set foot in their fathers' homes.
  These figures are sobering and serve to remind us all of the 
importance of promoting fatherhood in the country. Our communities, 
churches and families must work to ensure that every

[[Page 15095]]

child in the United States grows up with the love, involvement and 
commitment of a responsible father.
  Fathers also have a responsibility to set aside quality time with 
their children in ways that can contribute to the well-being of their 
sons and daughters. Fathers need to realize that the time they spend 
with their children is really an investment in them. While each father 
is a unique person who parents in his own style, there are some 
characteristics that good fathers have in common.
  We all know that fathers play a significant role in shaping the 
characters of their children. By spending time with their sons and 
daughters, being stern yet fair disciplinarians and by listening to 
their experiences, fathers mold and shape children into the men and 
women the children will become. As advisers and role models, fathers 
help their children to understand the difference between right and 
wrong and how the decisions they make today can affect the rest of 
their lives. By demonstrating true leadership, fathers instill 
important values and prepare their children for the challenges and 
opportunities ahead. Their love and devotion inspire the future 
generation of Americans to achieve their dreams and demonstrate the 
true spirit of our country.
  A father is one of the most important influences in a child's life. I 
want to commend the millions of fathers who are wonderful, caring 
parents to their children. I also want to challenge those who are not 
to reconnect and to rededicate themselves to their children's lives. I 
urge all fathers to understand the level of responsibility they have 
emotionally, physically and spiritually. On Father's Day and every day, 
we honor our fathers and celebrate them.
  I am honored to rise today to support this resolution. I ask my 
colleagues to support it.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, does the gentlewoman from Washington have 
any further speakers?
  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. No, I do not.
  Does the gentleman have anymore speakers?
  Mr. SABLAN. No, I do not.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional requests for 
time. I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to commend the gentlewoman 
from Washington for such eloquent statements about fathers, which 
brings back this close memory of my father, who is 8,000 miles away at 
this time. I will call him up after this, later on today.
  I have no further speakers. I do encourage everyone to please support 
H. Res. 428.
  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 428, a 
resolution that recognizes the immeasurable contributions of fathers in 
the healthy development of children, supports responsible fatherhood, 
and encourages greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their 
children, especially on Father's Day.
  Six days from now, our nation will celebrate the special place that 
fathers have in our country.
  From helping with homework to playing ball to reading a book to 
offering advice and support and to just listening, each and every day 
fathers of all ages contribute to the mental, moral, and spiritual 
development of children, teenagers, and adults.
  According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, children with 
involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in 
school, have a healthy self esteem, exhibit empathy and good behavior, 
and avoid high risk activity such as drug use and criminal activity.
  H. Res. 428 recognizes the commitment of fathers, and the wonderful 
work that both parents do on behalf of their kids, and I encourage my 
colleagues to join with us as we all re-commit ourselves to being the 
best father we can to children everywhere.
  And in conclusion, I would like to publicly thank my father for the 
great example he has been to me and for the dedication and support he 
has shown in my every endeavor.
  It is because of his support and love that I have been a devoted son 
to my father who taught me so much, as well as finding great joy in 
being a committed father of two.
  Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 
428. This statement is of great importance because it recognizes the 
true commitment of fatherhood. House Resolution 428 commends the 
millions of fathers who embrace their parental responsibilities by 
providing love and support to their children. Raising children is by no 
means an easy task, but those who have dedicated their lives to provide 
for their offspring play a vital role in their development. Fathers are 
teachers and protectors who impart life lessons in preparation for the 
future. This is a very important, timely bill, and I commend 
Representative Mike McIntyre for bringing this resolution before the 
House.
  House Resolution 428 recognizes the impact fathers have on their 
children. We must encourage responsible fatherhood because it can 
reduce the amount of impoverished children, many with one parent who 
are unable to afford the resources necessary to raise a family. 
Children who are fortunate enough to have an involved father have a 
greater chance of excelling in school and have less of a chance of 
exhibiting behavioral problems. The influence of a father promotes 
healthy development of a child in every aspect. Children are so easily 
influenced and proper guidance utilizing both parents can spur growth 
and future accomplishments.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to add my voice and support in recognition 
of our nation's fathers. We must use this opportunity to praise 
accountable fathers because they provide strength to their families and 
communities. I will work diligently with my colleagues to acknowledge 
their commitment and continue to encourage men who are not as engaged 
in the lives of their children to start fresh on Father's Day to become 
positive and strong influences in their child's development.
  Mr. SABLAN. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 428.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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