Mitch Landrieu: “I know the Senator from Ohio and others are waiting to speak on other matters before we leave, but last night there was…”

“I know the Senator from Ohio and others are waiting to speak on other matters before we leave, but last night there was a troubling expose done on a very unfortunate circumstance, and that circumstance involves 12 American families who are stuck in Cambodia because they are unable to obtain visas for their newly adopted children. They are unable to get those visas to come back to the United States safely with these children to celebrate what would have been a joyous homecoming on these holidays. We are all getting ready to join our families and loved ones in our home States for Christmas and for the holidays. It is not just parents being reunited with children and children with parents, but grandchildren, aunts, uncles, and cousins. This holiday season, as we have all said, is going to be even that much more special because of the challenges before our Nation and the events of September 11 and subsequent events that make us realize how important our families are to us and our loved ones. We are mindful as we leave today, happy with some of the successes we have had, of the pain and suffering that will be felt during this holiday season by 3,000 families and many more who were directly affected, who will not have a loved one present for the holidays.”