McConnell-Cosponsored Resolution to Help Kentucky Families Adopting from the Democratic Republic of the Congo Passes U.S. Senate

Press Release

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced Friday that the U.S. Senate passed a resolution to assist Kentucky families adopting from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Senate Resolution, which Senator McConnell co-sponsored with Senator Rob Portman and a number of his Senate colleagues last month, calls for the lifting of an exit permit suspension that has prevented close to 1,000 Congolese children who have been or are in the process of being adopted by American families, including some Kentucky families, from leaving the DRC.

In September 2013, the Congolese Ministry of Interior and Security suspended the issuance of exit permits for adopted children seeking to leave the country with their adoptive parents. More than 350 of these children have been legally adopted by families in the United States, but less than 20 children have received exit permits to leave the DRC.

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

"I am pleased the resolution I helped introduce to assist Kentucky families adopting from the DRC has passed the U.S. Senate with broad support. This resolution sends a strong message to the DRC about the need for an immediate solution. However, much work remains, and I will continue to advocate on behalf of the families trying to bring their children home."

Senator McConnell remains in contact with most of the identified families whose children remain in the DRC, and he encourages any family who has not already been in contact with his office to reach out for information and assistance at 202-224-2541, or via email on his website at www.mcconnell.senate.gov

Source