I am pleased that my friend and colleague, Congressman Jim Oberstar, is joining me in introducing this key piece of legislation, which seeks to promote and raise awareness about adoption.

As someone who has been a passionate advocate for helping families and children through adoption, I urge all of my colleagues to support this important proposal, because adoption is truly a loving option for women and families who find…

The Omnibus Adoption Act brings to the table a solid package of provisions which would benefit children, their prospective parents, and their birth mothers.

The existing evidence shows that adoption generates overwhelmingly positive benefits to all persons involved in the process--including the birth mother.

Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Omnibus Adoption Act of 1999.

The Omnibus Adoption Act takes a three pronged approach to this important issue.

The bill authorizes new vouchers that can used for maternity homes, nutrition counseling and job training.

It is estimated that about 1 million children in the United States live with adoptive parents, and that between 2% to 4% of American families include an adopted child.

We can and should do more to help women with difficult pregnancies as they seek life-affirming alternatives.

It is time to do an about face, to condition expanded trade relations upon respect for internationally recognized, fundamental human rights.

We cannot. Reforms within China must precede the rewards of WTO membership.