On the recordMarch 22, 2016
I thank the gentleman. I want to salute the gentleman and Mr. Young for their bipartisan initiative here that would eliminate some of the current paperwork barriers that are preventing abused and neglected children from being quickly placed in safe, loving homes, which happen to be on the other side of a State border. Their coming together in this bipartisan initiative is constructive in helping some of the most vulnerable children in America. It is unacceptable for children who already face so many challenges to have to deal with this additional hardship because the process, as it exists now, just is not working. Based on the experience we have had with those States that were involved in a pilot program, we know that waiting times there were reduced by almost one-third. I think, with that experience, we can move forward under this bill for an electronic information exchange that will work and will improve the times that these young people face. While this bipartisan step is a welcome one, it should also serve as a reminder to us of all the work that remains.…





