Jay Rockefeller: “the Senate is passing the House bill to reauthorize the Safe and Stable Families Program. This is necessary action to…”

“the Senate is passing the House bill to reauthorize the Safe and Stable Families Program. This is necessary action to protect funding that is fundamental for promoting adoptions and preventing child abuse and neglect. By acting today, the Senate can secure $1.5 billion over the next 5 years for vital priorities. It would be wrong to leave Washington without taking action to ensure long-term support for such vulnerable children. Earlier this year, I joined with Senator Mike DeWine and a bipartisan group in introducing an even better legislative package to boldly expand this vital program. Our bill, which was based on President Bush's own proposal, would have increased the basic funding for the Safe and Stable Families Program from $305 million to $505 million of guaranteed annual funding. This would have provided an additional $1 billion over the next 5 years, including $60 million in funding for scholarships for teens aging out of foster care. It would also have provided authority to create a new program designed to mentor the children of prisoners. I truly wish we were moving the Senate bill today, but since that is not possible. I believe enacting the House bill is essential for the long-term security of this program.”