On the recordMay 20, 2019
I thank Chairman Scott and Ranking Member Foxx for their work in bringing this bipartisan Stronger CAPTA to the floor; as well as Representative Watkins, for drafting our bipartisan amendment that ensures that poverty alone cannot be used as evidence of abuse and neglect. The fight against intergenerational poverty has many fronts, but one of the most important things we can do is preserve family stability for as many children as possible. Families struggling with poverty need supports to preserve stability, not additional toxic stress that can alter child development. Let me be clear: Abuse and neglect know no socioeconomic barriers. Poverty alone is neither abuse nor neglect. I am proud that our amendment will ensure that no child is removed from their family solely because that family is living in poverty. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill.
