Recognizing National Adoption Month

Floor Speech

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, this Thanksgiving many of us had the opportunity to spend time with our families and loved ones, so I think it's fitting that November is National Adoption Month. I also think it's appropriate to take time during this holiday season to recognize the tens of thousands of families nationwide who are foster families.

Unfortunately, in my home State of Illinois, a potentially tragic situation has unfolded. Faith-based adoption agencies across the State are being shut down because of their belief in traditional marriage. The Illinois Department of Child and Family Services has declined to renew contracts with several organizations. They have decimated these agencies, some of whose work was 70 percent foster care. It's an unfortunate situation, and I'm watching it closely.

But today I want to say publicly that, as we fight to curb teenage pregnancy and abortion, the right to adoption is one thing we really must defend.

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