Suspension of Exit Permits
Floor Speech
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Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, you have heard today about the devastating effects of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's decision to suspend exit permits for internationally adopted children. I've met with the American families who, as a result of this action, cannot welcome their adopted son or daughter into their home. I've seen their heartbreak.
One family, the Weavers, live in my district. In 2012, James and Olivia Weaver began the process of adopting little Wilfride, a gregarious five-year-old girl with a heartwarming smile. Her birth mother had abandoned her at a local orphanage.
The Weavers were overjoyed when, after nine long months, a Congolese court declared them Wilfride's legal parents. They quickly made preparations for their new daughter to join them and their two other daughters in Chino Hills, California.
But one month after the court's declaration, the Congolese Government suspended exit permits for children like Wilfride--meaning this little girl has had to continue living in an orphanage for the last 10 months. All this despite having a loving home in California that desperately wants to take her in.
I have been to the Congo many times. I understand the exceptional deprivation of orphans there. The Congolese Government should be helping, and not hindering, their transition to a good home.
I should add that, parents with completed adoptions in the DRC are legally responsible for their child's wellbeing--and are reportedly paying on average $500 a month in child support, in addition to healthcare expenses. I have serious concerns that the DRC Government may have perverse financial incentives to postpone resolving this issue.
I sincerely hope that this is not contributing to the Congo's delay. The government must allow these children to make their way to the homes that are anxiously awaiting their arrival. I want to thank Rep. PETERSON and Chairman SMITH for their hard work on this difficult issue, and I urge Members to support this important resolution to encourage the Congolese government to do the right thing.
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