[Page H2524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           FOSTER YOUTH MONTH

  (Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Foster Care Month 
and on behalf of the foster youth across this country.
  I'd like to commend Representatives Karen Bass, Tom Marino, Jim 
McDermott, and Michele Bachmann for their leadership of the bipartisan 
Foster Youth Caucus and for their work on this important issue.
  Foster youth are some of the most at-risk children in our society. 
They are often the victims of abuse or neglect, and too many face 
trials and tribulations beyond their years.
  So much of what we take for granted--a stable home, living with our 
siblings or returning to the same school year after year--are constant 
obstacles for these children.
  However, the month of May and, in fact, every day should serve as a 
reminder of the opportunities that we all have to make a positive 
difference in their lives.
  Growing up, my parents welcomed many foster children into our family 
and provided them with a loving, stable and nurturing environment.
  Mr. Speaker, these children belong to all of us, and we are all 
responsible for them.

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