On the recordJanuary 26, 2011
today, I rise to introduce the Child Support Protection Act of 2011 with my colleagues, Senators Cornyn, Kohl, and Snowe. This bill continues the long-standing, bipartisan support of Congress for the Child Support Enforcement program, which began with the passage of the authorizing legislation in 1974. Child support enforcement is a strong partnership between the Federal Government and State governments to help parents provide long-term support for their children. It includes a network of 60,000 dedicated staff serving 17 million children across this country. It provided $24.4 billion to children in 2009. The Congressional Research Service reports that receipt of child support reduces child poverty by nearly 25 percent. The Urban Institute estimates that $4 in child support expenditures reduces spending in other public programs by $5. So, the Child Support Enforcement program's results are impressive and it is widely recognized as one of the most effective programs operated by the Federal Government. In fact, the program is notable for collecting $4.78 for each dollar of expenditure. It is a true bargain that works well. Child support programs do much more than just collect money.
