[Page S3483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, recently, we witnessed China peddling 
false claims as it continues to try and convince the United States that 
China is a good partner. China has recently claimed that ``the Chinese 
always honor and deliver what has been promised.'' What China asserted 
is nonsense. Nobody ought to believe that the promises made are 
honored.
  So I want to give you one example: intercountry adoptions.
  During the COVID-19 pandemic, China ``temporarily'' restricted travel 
into the country, which stalled hundreds of families from completing 
their adoptions. Today, the families I mentioned continue to be 
separated from their adoptive child in China or are learning that the 
child they have been matched with for many years has been rematched 
with a different family in China. The latter is the case for the 
Robinson family of Iowa.
  Does that sound like China always honors and delivers what it 
promises? I think not.
  In September of last year, I wrote to the Chinese Ambassador to the 
United States, outlining my concerns about China's termination of its 
intercountry adoption program and urged China to not go back on its 
promises, but, instead, allow for matched adoptions to finally be 
completed. That has not happened.
  It is a positive development that Chinese families have a stronger 
will and capacity to adopt orphans within their own country. Children 
having a safe and loving home is always a good thing. But my point of 
contention is that China left American families in the dark and didn't 
engage in good faith. American families were not given the same 
opportunity as families from other countries to be united with their 
children. Real commitments were made, and they were dismissed. This 
brought disruption to families and needlessly left children orphaned.
  Again, I suggest China doesn't honor its commitments, and I pray that 
the hearts of Chinese leaders experience a transformation.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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