    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 25 (Monday, June 28, 1999)]
    [Page 1184]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on House Action on the ``Foster Care Independence Act of
    1999''

    June 25, 1999

        Hillary and I are pleased that the House of Representatives, by an
    overwhelming bipartisan margin, today approved H.R. 1802, the ``Foster
    Care Independence Act of 1999.'' This legislation recognizes that we
    have a responsibility to ensure that youth in foster care have the tools
    they need to make the most of their lives. I am pleased that the measure
    builds on the proposals in my budget request to provide those leaving
    foster care with access to health care and to expand and improve
    educational opportunities, training, housing assistance, counseling, and
    other support and services.
        Each year, approximately 20,000 young people leave our Nation's
    foster care system at age 18 without an adoptive family or other
    permanent family relationship, but Federal financial support ends just
    as they are making the critical transition to independence. Without the
    emotional, social, and financial support that families provide, many of
    these young people are not adequately prepared for life on their own.
        For our Nation's foster youth, their 18th birthday can be the start
    of a very tough road alone. This bill is an important step forward to
    help them in their struggle to become successful, independent adults.
    The end of foster care should not be the end of caring for these young
    people.
        I'd like to thank Representatives Nancy Johnson and Ben Cardin, the
    sponsors of the ``Foster Care Independence Act of 1999,'' for their hard
    work and dedication to this issue. I look forward to working with them
    and with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle in the months
    ahead to enact meaningful and fiscally responsible legislation to enable
    these young people to live up to their God-given potential.

    Note: The release issued by the Office of the Press Secretary also
    announced that audio remarks by the President would be available on the
    White House Press Office Radio Actuality Line.