Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the struggles that foster youth encounter, and to celebrate their perseverance and fortitude as they attempt to navigate this complicated system and transition to adulthood. In Arkansas, we have over 5,000 children currently in the State's foster care system. I am proud to work with my colleagues on the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth to shed light on the perpetuation of poverty and dysfunction our current system enables. And I stand proudly in support of House Resolution 314, recognizing May as National Foster Care Month. For the past 2 years, I have had the opportunity to have a former foster youth personally shadow me for a day. What a rewarding experience. This year, I am honored to host Starr Wilson, a former foster youth from my district. After spending 10 years in foster care, Starr, who is full of drive and passion, graduated with honors from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Unlike Starr's story, though, when many youth across America age out of the system, they find themselves with no place to call home, and they lack the encouragement and structure they need to pursue happiness. Therefore, I am proud to stand with the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth in praise of the Sixth Annual Foster Youth Shadow Day here on Capitol Hill, which allows these youth to come across our country and share time with Members of Congress, and aspire to be the leaders of generations to come. ____________________”