Senator McConnell Meets with Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Regarding Adoption Issues

Press Release

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell met with Dr. Faida Mitifu, the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), today on behalf of Kentucky families whose adopted children have not been able to leave the DRC. During the meeting, Senator McConnell expressed his concerns and presented the Ambassador with information regarding the Kentucky families he has been in contact with who are not able to bring their children home.

Earlier this week, Senator McConnell co-sponsored a resolution calling for the lifting of an exit permit suspension that has prevented approximately 800 Congolese children who have been or are in the process of being adopted by American families from leaving the DRC. He also sent a letter to President Obama requesting he raise the issue during the U.S. - Africa Leaders' Summit in August.

Kentucky is among the states with the highest number of families whose adopted children are stuck in the DRC -- more than 20 families across the Commonwealth are affected.

"I appreciate Ambassador Mitifu taking the time to visit me in my office to discuss this important issue and to hear first-hand about the Kentucky families whose children are stuck in the DRC," Senator McConnell said. "I will continue to advocate on behalf of these families, and I encourage other Kentucky families dealing with this issue to reach out to my office for assistance."

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