Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Bonamici for yielding time.

First, let me say how proud I am to have introduced the House companion to an important bipartisan, bicameral bill.

Madam Speaker, one of the most heartbreaking aspects of the opiate epidemic is that a tremendous strain is placed not only on those who are struggling with addiction or dealing with substance use disorders, but also on their families, their friends, and their support networks.

Oftentimes when parents are struggling with addiction and unable to raise a child, that responsibility falls to a grandparent. Right now, as has been said, over 2.5 million children are being raised by their grandparents, and we only expect that number to grow.

These grandparent-led households often face unique challenges. They may not have time to plan financially for raising another child. They may not have the resources to ensure their home or their car is ready to raise a child. There may be barriers for them to access the child's medical or school information. It may be difficult for them to navigate the complex school requirements in many communities to ensure that their grandchild does not fall behind during a move. They may need to spend down their savings or refinance a home in order to provide for their grandchildren, putting their own financial future in jeopardy.

This bill, the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act, will help us bring to the forefront the resources that grandparents need to raise their grandchildren. It will create an important new Federal advisory council focused on developing and disseminating information designed to help grandparents.

The advisory council would examine information about how to address mental health issues, how to navigate school systems, and how to build social and support networks that create the best possible environment for children.

Madam Speaker, we are so grateful that these grandparents have stepped in to care for grandchildren, and we need to do everything we can to support and sustain them.

Madam Speaker, I thank especially Senator Susan Collins of Maine for her leadership on this issue, along with Senator Casey from Pennsylvania, and I am grateful to my colleague, Congressman Peter King of New York, for his work and help getting this legislation passed.

As we deal with the opiate crisis, we have to deal with many different issues. There is not just one issue. There are multiple issues, and this is one of them.

Madam Speaker, I appreciate the bipartisan support for my bill, and I appreciate the gentlewoman for yielding me the time.

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