Recognizing Credit Unions for Working to Make Adoption Affordable

Floor Speech

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Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, this month is National Adoption Month--a source of joy to so many families. This year, my wife Kelly and I have been blessed to welcome two adorable sisters into our family through adoption.

In Congress, I'm determined to make that same joy Kelly and I have experienced a reality for other families in Iowa and across the country. Unfortunately, the financial cost can be a significant barrier to adoption. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the cost of adoption ranges between $20,000 to $50,000.

That's why, I've introduced the Fight For Families Act to help low- and middle-income families afford adoption. Every child deserves a loving home, and I'm determined to ensure that the federal government does not stand in the way of that mission.

To that same end, I also want to thank the credit unions in my home state of Iowa and around the country who are offering affordable loans specifically designed for adoption costs--such as a home study or legal fees--and are built around supporting families through the multi-year adoption process. With credit union adoption loans, families are not burdened by excessive interest rates when pursuing an adoption.

The bottom line is that Congress must do more to lower the cost of adoption because we have too many children without forever homes. But until then, I'm heartened to see credit unions stand up and serve our communities in this important way.

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