Fostering the Future Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. CAREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7432, the Fostering the Future Act, which is made up of six bipartisan bills that passed the Committee on Ways and Means last month.

These bills collectively modernize the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program from successful transition to adulthood and are part of First Lady Melania Trump's Fostering the Future initiative.

I led one of these bills with the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore), my friend.

The Chafee Opportunities for New Network and Existing Connection Trust Act, or the CONNECT Act, clarifies the goal for supporting foster youth developing meaningful relationships with adults, including kin and peers, as well as building those supportive networks.

The CONNECT Act also empowers foster youth to take charge of their own permanency plans and ensures that foster youth understand in writing the suite of services that the programs are qualified for.

With this legislation, we are setting up the next generation of America's youth to transition to a more successful adulthood.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith, as well as our Ranking Member Neal, as well as Subcommittee on Work and Welfare Chairman LaHood and Ranking Member Davis for their leadership on this. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

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