[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 17265]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO BILLY AND DIANN SIMMONS

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I honor Billy and Diann 
Simmons from my home State of Arkansas for their exemplary efforts to 
support foster children in our State. I am proud to recognize them as 
my choice for this year's ``Angel in Adoption'' for Arkansas. They join 
adoption advocates from across the Nation who have received this 
prestigious recognition.
  The Angels in Adoption program, sponsored by the Congressional 
Coalition on Adoption Institute, provides Members of Congress the 
opportunity to honor those who have made an extraordinary contribution 
on behalf of children in need of homes.
  The Simmons are certainly worthy of this recognition. Diann Simmons 
became a therapeutic foster parent in 1997 and persuaded her soon-to-be 
spouse to join her in this noble endeavor prior to their marriage in 
1998. The Simmons' have now been therapeutic foster parents for 13 
years and have significant experience fostering children with difficult 
behaviors.
  Despite their experiences with children with challenging emotional 
and behavioral difficulties, they love children and maintain a sense of 
strong family values. These values have resulted in the adoption of 
seven children, including two sibling groups of two. Their most recent 
adoption was finalized this year.
  Because of their experience, flexibility, strong family values and 
their belief in the potential for every child, they have been 
successful in changing the lives of numerous children. According to 
those who know them best, the Simmons have developed a strong bond with 
every child placed in their home. In fact, four of their adopted 
children were in their home as foster children prior to adoption.
  Affectionately called ``Mama Diann'' and ``Daddy Billy,'' the 
Simmons' commitment, genuine concern and caring for their foster 
children has endeared them to many of these children's birth families, 
including families of their own adopted children.
  I commend both Diann and Billy for their dedication and perseverance 
helping children in need. They represent the best of Arkansas, and I 
commend them for their work on behalf of Arkansas's children.

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