Collins and Langevin Applaud House Passage of International Adoption Bill

Statement

Reps. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) and Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) released the following statements after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1952, the Intercountry Adoption Information Act.

"Loving families in Northeast Georgia and across the United States are eager to provide children with the care and support they deserve, yet they remain separated from their adoptive children due to shifting international policies and information gaps," said Collins. "The Intercountry Adoption Information Act will help bring families together by ensuring parents pursuing overseas adoption, like Mark and Pam Romano, have access to the information needed to navigate the international adoption landscape. With strong bipartisan support in both chambers, I am hopeful this bill will move swiftly through the Senate and onto the President's desk to be signed into law."

"Whether adopting at home or abroad, every family should have the information they need to navigate the process successfully," said Langevin. "The Intercountry Adoption Information Act provides access to critical information so families who plan to adopt from foreign countries are aware of any obstacles they may face. I am thrilled this important bill has passed the House, and I thank Congressman Collins for his leadership on this issue."

Collins first introduced the Intercountry Adoption Information Act in 2018 to help parents like Pam and Mark Romano, a family in Northeast Georgia. The Romanos were in the process of adopting two brothers from Russia when the country suddenly halted all adoptions to the United States in 2012.

"Families across the United States are greatly encouraged by House passage of this all-important and much needed bill. Those who are considering adopting, are already in that process or are in the unfortunate situation of a stuck adoption know very well how imperative it is that our State Department provide both transparency and accountability on all fronts," said Pam Romano. "This bill ultimately supports the rights of children worldwide who lie awake at night dreaming of one day having a mommy and daddy to call their own."

The Intercountry Adoption Information Act requires the Secretary of State include in its annual report information on countries that have carried out a new policy or law that has reduced or prevented adoptions involving immigration to the United States. Further, the Department of State would be required to include information on efforts to encourage the resumption of stalled or halted adoption proceedings within these countries. These requirements will ensure families have access to consistent, up-to-date information about the adoption policies of foreign countries and how they affect adoption proceedings.

Senator Richard Burr (R-N.C.) has also introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Source