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U.S. House Unanimously Passes Boyda's Foster Parents Resolution
04/24/07RESOLUTION HONORS FOSTER PARENTS AND SUPPORTS A NATIONAL FOSTER PARENTS DAY
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a roll call vote held late yesterday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the National Foster Parents’ Day Resolution, H.Res. 179, which was introduced by Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District).
Boyda's resolution recognizes the important contributions of foster families to America, and it urges the president to formally proclaim a National Foster Parents Day.
The final vote on H.Res. 179 was 390-0.
Boyda said, "I’m pleased that Congress spoke in one voice to support foster families. Appreciation for foster parents isn’t a Democratic value or a Republican value. It’s an American value.”
Below is the prepared text of Boyda’s introduction of the resolution on the House floor.
###
Madam Speaker,
In the late 1980s a Topeka couple, Clifford and Phyllis Oshel, welcomed a foster child into their home and their hearts. For two years they provided food, shelter, and caring. Through their patient guidance, they led that child from a time of crisis into what he now calls “the best years of my life.”
The child’s name was Kevin Surbaugh, and ever since he left the Oshels’ house, he has worked to repay his debt of gratitude. For 17 years he has fought tirelessly for a national day of recognition for foster parents – one day of the year to honor their contributions and respect their sacrifices.
Soon after I was sworn into Congress, Kevin approached my office and told me about his mission. At Kevin’s urging, I now submit for your consideration the National Foster Parents Day Resolution. I ask you to join me in saying “thank you,” not only to Clifford and Phyllis Oshel, but to the hundreds of thousands of foster parents across our great nation.
When I think back on the support I received from my mom and dad, I recognize the crucial role of parents. My mom set me on the path that, one day, led me to Congress. She taught me my faith. She taught me to do unto others as I would have them do unto me. She taught me to speak to everyone in a room, no matter their role or position. She also taught me to never wear white shoes after Labor Day. All of her words of wisdom led me to where I am today.
In a perfect world, every child’s biological parents would play the role that my parents played for me. But sometimes, a family can’t provide a safe, supportive, sufficient home. When tragedy strikes or turmoil rips a family apart, children are dislocated, and they need a new place to call home – at least for a while.
Because many of these kids grew up in unstable households, some suffer from emotional disturbances. Some are grieving the loss of their parents. All have endured more than any child should, and all deserve a caring, supportive family. Today over 500,000 American children need a temporary home, and 380,000 have found one thanks to foster parents.
To the foster parents in Kansas and throughout America, today’s vote is Congress’s way of honoring your efforts. You are deeply appreciated; your contribution does not go unnoticed.
I hope our vote is more than a symbolic gesture – that it encourages more families to open their homes to foster children. Caring for a foster child is one of the greatest challenges you’ll ever face, but the reward is immense. You’ll help a little girl piece her life back together. You’ll help a little boy feel safe and loved. And you’ll earn the respect of your community and your Congress.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a roll call vote held late yesterday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the National Foster Parents’ Day Resolution, H.Res. 179, which was introduced by Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District).
Boyda's resolution recognizes the important contributions of foster families to America, and it urges the president to formally proclaim a National Foster Parents Day.
The final vote on H.Res. 179 was 390-0.
Boyda said, "I’m pleased that Congress spoke in one voice to support foster families. Appreciation for foster parents isn’t a Democratic value or a Republican value. It’s an American value.”
Below is the prepared text of Boyda’s introduction of the resolution on the House floor.
###
Madam Speaker,
In the late 1980s a Topeka couple, Clifford and Phyllis Oshel, welcomed a foster child into their home and their hearts. For two years they provided food, shelter, and caring. Through their patient guidance, they led that child from a time of crisis into what he now calls “the best years of my life.”
The child’s name was Kevin Surbaugh, and ever since he left the Oshels’ house, he has worked to repay his debt of gratitude. For 17 years he has fought tirelessly for a national day of recognition for foster parents – one day of the year to honor their contributions and respect their sacrifices.
Soon after I was sworn into Congress, Kevin approached my office and told me about his mission. At Kevin’s urging, I now submit for your consideration the National Foster Parents Day Resolution. I ask you to join me in saying “thank you,” not only to Clifford and Phyllis Oshel, but to the hundreds of thousands of foster parents across our great nation.
When I think back on the support I received from my mom and dad, I recognize the crucial role of parents. My mom set me on the path that, one day, led me to Congress. She taught me my faith. She taught me to do unto others as I would have them do unto me. She taught me to speak to everyone in a room, no matter their role or position. She also taught me to never wear white shoes after Labor Day. All of her words of wisdom led me to where I am today.
In a perfect world, every child’s biological parents would play the role that my parents played for me. But sometimes, a family can’t provide a safe, supportive, sufficient home. When tragedy strikes or turmoil rips a family apart, children are dislocated, and they need a new place to call home – at least for a while.
Because many of these kids grew up in unstable households, some suffer from emotional disturbances. Some are grieving the loss of their parents. All have endured more than any child should, and all deserve a caring, supportive family. Today over 500,000 American children need a temporary home, and 380,000 have found one thanks to foster parents.
To the foster parents in Kansas and throughout America, today’s vote is Congress’s way of honoring your efforts. You are deeply appreciated; your contribution does not go unnoticed.
I hope our vote is more than a symbolic gesture – that it encourages more families to open their homes to foster children. Caring for a foster child is one of the greatest challenges you’ll ever face, but the reward is immense. You’ll help a little girl piece her life back together. You’ll help a little boy feel safe and loved. And you’ll earn the respect of your community and your Congress.