Granger, Bass Introduce International Adoption Bill

Press Release

Representatives Kay Granger (R-TX) and Karen Bass (D-CA) today introduced the Children in Families First (CHIFF) Act. Millions of children around the world are growing up in orphanages, on the streets, or in refugee camps while thousands of American families spend years navigating the bureaucratic adoption process in the U.S. CHIFF would simplify this process for families who want to adopt internationally and help foreign governments develop stronger child welfare systems that can find a caring family for every child in need.

"Every child deserves a family," said Rep. Kay Granger. "Parents looking to adopt internationally are already at the mercy of complicated adoption bureaucracies abroad. They shouldn't have to deal with similar costs and delays here at home. Without increasing spending, the Children in Families First Act helps loving families navigate the adoption process and welcome new additions into their homes."

Rep. Karen Bass said: "Sadly, millions of children around the world are living without the support of a safe and loving family. As we strive to improve the child welfare system here in the United States, it's essential that we also help other countries establish and expand their child welfare programs so that every child has a chance to have a supportive family full of unconditional love. I proudly support the Children in Families First Act because it goes a long way to support nations around the world in their efforts to preserve, reunify, and create the safe, loving, and permanent families that children around the world so desperately need."

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) introduced the Senate companion bill on September 19.

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