[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 16003]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY

  (Ms. KUSTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, every November, we celebrate National 
Adoption Month and National Adoption Day to help build awareness of the 
many children in foster care who are waiting to find permanent, loving 
families.
  Sadly, more than 100,000 children are currently waiting for permanent 
families and have waited for years in foster care. Every year, dozens 
age out of the system without ever finding a permanent home. As an 
adoption attorney for 25 years, I know firsthand how important it is to 
adopt and provide a stable environment for children. Every child 
deserves loving parents, and adoption is a great way to unite a child 
who needs a home with a loving family.
  Yesterday, I was proud that the New Hampshire bureau of Community and 
Family Support Services celebrated National Adoption Day with families 
and community leaders to share positive adoption stories and to draw 
attention to children in New Hampshire who are waiting to find 
permanent, loving homes.
  The families that we are celebrating on National Adoption Day and in 
National Adoption Month are true heroes. They are opening their hearts 
and are embarking on the ultimate journey of love and commitment. As a 
member of both the bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption and 
Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I will continue to work with my 
colleagues to help create a better foundation for these precious 
children to thrive, grow, and flourish into independent and successful 
adults.

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