H.R. 7432, H.R. 7463, H.R. 7343, H.R. 7529, H.R. 7655, H.R. 7995
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House Ways and Means U.S. House of Representatives
Follow its sittingsSpeaker 2
We work together to establish the Blackstone Valley Historic Corridor, and this is a fitting tribute to the memories that he created fondly for all of us across New England. And I believe he also had a very distinguished military career. That said, we know that these bills are just the first step. We have lots of work left in front of us to ensure every child who experiences foster care has the opportunity to transition to adulthood and to lead a successful life. The Chafee program is a strong example of Congress listening to the people affected by our decisions and investing in the kind of help that they will really need.
There isn't much better use of federal dollars than to help foster youth overcome their tough beginnings and transition to an adult life where they have good jobs, a place to live, and people who genuinely love them. These are investments in our future and in our families. However, the program only currently reaches about a fourth of the youth who need our help, and when it does, it often falls short of providing everything they need. Gwen Moore's CONNECT Act would help focus and refocus the Chafee program to reach further and ensure children who have been in foster care have strong lifelong relationships with adults and peers to help navigate life after some difficult moments for them. We must make sure that the JV program, whose funding has essentially stagnated since 1999, has the resources to help serve every former foster youth who needs our help.
I know our colleagues here recognize the persistent challenges in areas we need to keep working at. I hope they will continue working together and that this markup on these issues will not end just this evening. We have much to do. I yield back.
Speaker 1
Our first order of business is HR 7432, the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act introduced by Work and Welfare Subcommittee chairman LaHood and representative Gwen Moore, which will help youth transitioning out of foster care and former foster youth by strengthening coordination between Chafee and the foster youth to independence housing program. Chairman LaHood has long been an outstanding champion for expanding access to housing of all types, such as through his work to improve the low-income housing tax credit. His collaborative work on this bill ensures that housing stability remains within reach for these young adults during a very vulnerable time as they transition to independence and self-sufficiency. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I'm pleased to recognize its sponsor, Mr. LeHood, for an opening statement.
Speaker 3
Thank you, chairman Smith, and thank you for your leadership, with these six separate bills that we're bringing forth today. And also want to acknowledge the success of the roundtable we had with the first lady and how impactful that was on raising awareness on fostering, on fostering the future, and these six bills today. I also just wanna mention the collaboration with my colleague, Congressman Danny Davis, on the
Speaker 4
Work and Welfare subcommittee. We started this process roughly two years ago, working collaboratively, and I wanna thank Danny for his leadership. These six bills would not.
Speaker 3
be coming forward without the collaboration of Congressman Davis, and so grateful for the substantive work that we've engaged in in the subcommittee. So thank you for that, Danny. And as chairman of the work and welfare subcommittee, I'm pleased to see the committee consider these six bills to modernize the Safe program. These bills represent the second legislative initiative of First Lady Melania Trump, who has elevated foster care to the highest level of government, which is a good thing. Earlier this month, missus Trump joined a bipartisan group of more than 30 committee members to discuss Shafi reforms and her efforts to uplift America's youth through the Fostering the Future initiative.
We have arrived at a unique moment in time where there is shared bipartisan agreement to make reforms for this largely forgotten group in our country. The work and welfare subcommittee has held two hearings leading up to this day to learn about challenges faced by foster youth, listening to their voices, and what we can do to support their independence and success in the future. During our first hearing in June, we learned about a troubling report from GAO that red and blue states have been returning millions of dollars of unused Shafi and education and training vouchers funds since at least 2007. In 2022 alone, more than 30 states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Virginia, returned 8,900,000 in these funds despite unmet needs of foster youth. What we learned is that when federal programs like Shafery remain on autopilot, they fail to adapt to changing needs and address the realities facing foster youth today.
That's why this markup is so important. We are stewards of these programs, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and working for the people we are trying to help. As a package, these six bills represent comprehensive reform that will truly provide foster youth with the tools they need for long-term stability. One of these bills is the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act, which I introduced with my colleague Representative Gwen Moore of Wisconsin. Access to stable housing is one of the most significant challenges foster youth face as they work towards self-sufficiency.
A staggering 35 percent of former foster youth experience homelessness by age 21. Lack of stable housing increases the risk of human trafficking for foster youth. According to a survey conducted by the administration for children and families, nearly 28 percent of foster youth who self-reported human trafficking slept most often on the street. This bill will improve access to housing for these youth by strengthening the Shafee program's connection with the Foster Youth to Independence housing voucher, which is run by HUD. The bill does a couple of key things to leverage resources across two different federal programs.
It ensures FYI voucher recipients receive housing supportive services, can help them build financial literacy skills, and reduce the risk of eviction. It will also provide more flexibility to states by carving these services out of the current 30% limit on room and board in Shafee and aligning age eligibility, program access across programs. This bill has more than 160 national, state, and local endorsements. I'm confident that through the bipartisan work of this committee and the support of the first lady in the White House, we can deliver this bill and other meaningful and long overdue reforms to Shafi to support the nearly 16,000 foster youth who age out of foster care every year. With that, I urge my colleagues to support HR 7432 and the other bills to modernize shafing.
By advancing these bills, we can set foster youth, our and our nation's future leaders on a path to thrive and fulfill their full potential. With that, I yield back and thank the chairman.
Speaker 2
Let me yield my time to the distinguished gentle lady from Wisconsin, Miss Moore.
Speaker 5
Thank you, ranking member Neil, for yielding, and thank you, Chairman Smith. I wanna start by thanking Chairman LeHood for his partnership on this bill. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention our ranking member and my good friend doctor day Danny Davis, who's been a long time champion for our foster youth. He'll be sorely missed in our next congress. As a co-chair of the congressional caucus on foster youth, I am privileged to be able to fight for foster youth, including meeting youth who have lived experience in the foster care system.
It's no secret that many youth who age out of foster care experience homelessness. In fact, research shows that up to 46% of youth exiting foster care experience homelessness by age 26. That's thousands of individuals, young people without stable and consistent roofs over their head. This is unacceptable and entirely preventable. This bill, the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act, would be a good first step in helping to right this ship. By requiring state child welfare agencies to collaborate with public housing entities that administer programs specifically designed for foster youth, we can begin to bridge the gap in housing services for youth transitioning out of care and reduce homelessness rates amongst former foster youth.
This bill also exempts so-called housing supportive services such as security deposits and utility connection fees from the 30% housing cap under Chafee. This will allow states the opportunity to provide more youth with rental and housing assistance. We know that stable housing is the key to success, safety, and improved health outcomes. Without housing stability, it's nearly impossible to hold stable employment, address physical and mental health concerns, and maintain supportive relationships. We owe it to these young people to ensure that they have the tools that they need, not just to survive, but to thrive in adulthood.
And that starts with safe, accessible, and affordable housing. Passing this bill is the first good step in ensuring that no foster youth is left to fend for themselves on the streets. And I hope my colleagues on this committee will join me in this effort. Thank you, and I yield back.
Speaker 1
Thank you, Miss Moore. The committee will now proceed to consideration of HR 7432, the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act. Without objection, the measure will be considered as read and open for amendment at any point. At this time, I offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute, which was distributed in advance, along with a green sheet explaining it. Without objection, the amendment and the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read, open for amendment at any point, and considered the base text for the purpose of amendment.
I will now turn to Cheryl Freeman, work and welfare subcommittee staff director, to provide a technical description of the amendment and the nature of a substitute, with an emphasis on the changes made since introduction. I ask that members hold their questions until after her presentation.
Speaker 6
Thank you, Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Neil. HR 7432, the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act, modifies title IV-E of the Social Security Act at section 477 as it relates to the Chafee program for foster youth. The bill makes several modifications to provide more flexibility to states by modifying the 30% cap in Chafee for spending on room or board. This includes allowing the cap to be determined based on a rolling five-year average and creating a new definition of housing supportive services to allow states to exclude services provided to youth receiving an FYI voucher. Under this definition, supportive services may include counseling on financial literacy, use of credit, money management, counseling on rental lease contracts, and moving costs.
The bill also aligns age eligibility between Chafee and the FYSI program up to age 26. Finally, the bill adds a requirement that HHS and HUD provide joint agency guidance to states and public housing agencies to improve coordination. As reflected on the green sheet, the chairman's amendment in the nature.
Speaker 6
Substitute modifies HR 7,432 as introduced on page five, line 19, by striking the before supportive services. These changes are consistent with the intent of the provisions to correct references and make conforming changes. Mister chairman, that completes my walk-through. I'm happy to answer any technical questions.
Speaker 1
Thank you. Are there any technical questions about the amendment and the nature of the substitute? Seeing none, does anyone wish to strike the last word? Mr. Thompson.
Speaker 7
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for holding this here, and I wanna thank all of my colleagues who have participated in this great legislation, that will really help foster youth in our country. But I can't ignore the broader context. At the same time that we're advancing legislation to expand, in this case, housing access, my Republican colleagues in this administration are pursuing policies that make it harder for Americans to both own and rent homes. The Trump administration has proposed a rule that could put as many as 3,700,000 people at risk of losing housing assistance, more than half of them children, due to the rigid time limits and the burdensome work requirements.
In California, my home state alone, that puts approximately 317,000 people at risk. And this comes on top of an already severe affordability crisis. In my district, median household income falls short of what is needed to qualify for a mortgage on even a bottom-tier home. Buying a modest two-bedroom home is more than 50% more expensive than renting, and outdated tax provisions are discouraging homeowners from putting properties on the market, further constraining supply. Mister chairman, we're in a full-blown housing crisis.
Incremental steps are good, but they're clearly not enough. We need serious, comprehensive solutions, not more tax advantages for corporate housing developers and venture capital that further distort the market. That's why I introduced the American Affordability Act with my fellow Ways and Means Democratic colleagues. It expands the supply of affordable housing by modernizing and strengthening low income housing tax credits. Miss Delbani is a leader in that area.
It supports renters and homebuyers with refundable tax credits to lower housing costs. Mister Panetta and Mister Gomez are leaders in that space. It incentivizes the conversion of vacant lots and underutilized commercial properties into affordable housing. It encourages more homes to come onto the market by modernizing the capital gains exclusion for homeowners looking to downsize. Mister Panetta is a leader in that area, and he prioritizes development in rural communities and for veterans and tribal populations.
And I wanna thank Mister Suwazi, Mister Gomez, Miss Sanchez, and Miss Delbani for their leadership in that area. I'm proud to support this bill today, but our committee needs to go further and meet this moment with the urgency that it demands. Again, thank you to everyone who's trying to address this issue. Let's come together and do the big lift. So I urge a vote on this.
I thank you, and I yield back to balance my time.
Speaker 8
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and kudos to the committee. I couldn't help but look out at the audience and realize because we have all these bipartisan bills that have such a positive impact on people, wow. Isn't it a difference when that's the case? So when you hear all this talk about how committees don't work together, and how Republicans and Democrats can't get along or accomplish something. Kudos to Mister LeHood and Gwen Moore and, of course, our esteemed Danny Davis for the work that they've done.
I know that it impacts, in my district, clearly nonprofits like the Village for Children and Families and our Piece of the Pie and Hartford Communities that Care that provide specialized care for foster youth dealing with complex trauma as well. I would also, mister chairman, also like to point out, and agree with, mister Thompson as well that, and mister Neil, that there's more that we could do together. And, certainly, Mister Thompson's affordability act is one of the areas that I think across the board, we could have bipartisan agreement for the work that he's put in there and that we could collectively all share. And with that, I yield.
Speaker 9
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mister chairman, I strongly support this crucial common-sense legislation introduced by my distinguished colleagues, chairman Le Hood, and representative Gwen Moore. HR 7432, the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act, is designed to improve coordination across state, local, and federal government agencies and systems to better meet the housing needs of older foster youth as they navigate the critical transition to adulthood. The bill would also provide greater flexibility for the chief program to help cover housing-related costs and services such as utility connection fees and security deposits that can be insurmountable barriers even for youth to have a way to pay rent. I've long recognized that stable housing, like quality food and clean water, is a fundamental need for every human in society.
This need is even more urgent for transition age foster youth who, through no fault of their own, find themselves on the brink of independence as they exit or are prepared to exit the child welfare system. This committee saw this need firsthand during the pandemic when we joined together to increase housing assistance for older foster youth. I praise this bill for integrating some of our lessons learned from those bipartisan efforts. Research conducted by Chapin Hall shows that youth transitioning out of foster care face higher risk of housing instability and homelessness compared to their peers, as 31 percent to 46 percent of youths exiting foster care experience homelessness by age 26. These deserving youth require robust extended care options and targeted support, and chief among these supports are dedicated housing resources and assistance. So, mister chairman, I wholeheartedly support this legislation to strengthen housing stability and expand housing options for foster youth, transitioning out of care and into a brighter future.
In addition to the important first steps in this bill, additional investment in the chief program could help states realize its true potential to increase housing stability for transition aged youth. So in closing, I thank my good friends, Chairman Darren LeHood, and Representative Gwen Moore for their commitment to improving housing supports and stability for foster youth. I thank you, mister chairman, and you’re back the balance of my time.
Speaker 10
Mister chairman, thank you very much. I wanna thank all the leaders here, especially mister Hood, miss Moore for putting this together, and I'm thrilled that we have yet another session here where we're doing this in a largely bipartisan fashion. I intend to vote yes on all these bills, but I do wanna bring up five specific things that came to me through the Voices for Virginia's Children. First was that they strongly encourage us to increase the Chafee funding by 500000000. We know that it's remained basically around 140,000,000 since 1999.
It's 140,000,000 in 1999. It's 143,000,000 right now. Obviously, inflation has gone up a great deal. Three quarters of eligible youth don't receive any JF services. So while we're serving those quarter, I think, well, we are missing an awful lot of these kids.
And when we talk about money that's given back, let's also recognize that the states that do use it have used up virtually 99.9% of that money. The second argument is that we should extend the age of eligibility for Chafee aftercare services to age 23 for all youth. I know about half the states already do it to age 23, but there's half that don't, because they don't have the specific things. So this eligibility thing would make a big difference to make sure that youth, all states, have that opportunity. The third is to suspend participation requirements for young people in extended foster care.
Of course, in general, we would like the kids to be in the work, school, and program participations. But if they can't, we need to make sure that they can continue to receive the placement and support services, so that they can stay on track to meet their goals. Without it, they may be pushed into homelessness and unsafe situations. Number four is put a moratorium on discharges from the foster care system for those older youth, 18 to 21. Often, that's the critical time in their lives when they're just trying to get their feet on the ground.
The additional time and support will help young people and child welfare agencies appropriately plan for the successful transition out of care and into adulthood. And finally, let's allow states to draw down the title for funds until a young person reaches age 22. Right now, it's only till age 21. And, again, that extra year could be the difference for an awful lot of kids. I'm so glad we are doing this.
I intend to support it, and I hope this is just the start of many more necessary reforms to the system. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
Speaker 1
Thank you. Does any additional member wish to strike the last word? Seeing none. Are there any amendments to the amendment in the nature of a substitute? If there are no amendments, the question is on the adoption of the amendment in the nature of a substitute.
All those in favor signify by saying aye.
Speaker 1
Those opposed, say no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, the amendment in the nature of a substitute is agreed to. I will now recognize Mr. Buchanan for the purpose of offering a motion.
Speaker 11
Mister chairman, I move the committee favorably report H.R. 7432 as amended to the House of Representatives.
Speaker 1
The question is on the motion to favorably report H.R. 7432 as amended to the House of Representatives. The clerk will call the roll.
Speaker 12
Mister Buchanan? Yes. Mister Buchanan? Yes. Mister Smith of Nebraska?
Yes. Mister Smith of Nebraska? Yes. Mister Kelly? Mister Kelly?
Yes. Mister Schweiker? Mister Schweiker? Yes. Mister Lehud?
Mister Lehud, yes. Mr. Arrington? Mr. Arrington? Yes. Mister Estes?
Mister Estes? Yes. Mr. Smucker? Mr. Smucker? Yes.
Mister Hearne? Mister Hearne? Yes. Mrs. Miller? Mrs. Miller?
Yes. Doctor Murphy? Doctor Murphy? Yes. Mister Kustoff?
Mister Kustoff? Yes. Mister Fitzpatrick? Yes. Mister Stubby?
Yes. Mister Stubby? Yes. Miss Tennie? Miss Tennie?
Yes. Missus Fishbock? Yes. Missus Fishbock? Yes.
Mister Moore?
Speaker 12
Mr. Moore? Yes. Miss Van Dyne? Miss Van Dyne? Yes.
Mister Feenstra? Yes. Mister Feenstra? Yes. Miss Maliatokis?
Miss Maliatokis? Yes. Mister Cary? Mister Cary? Yes.
Mister Yackm? Mister Yackm? Yes. Mr. Miller? Mister Miller?
Yes. Mr Bean? Yes. Mr Bean? Yes.
Mister Moran? Yes. Mr. Moran? Yes. Mister Neal?
Speaker 12
Mister Neal? Yes. Mr Doggett? Mister Thompson? Aye.
Mister Thompson? Yes. Mister Larson? Yes. Mister Larson, yes.
Mr. Davis? Mister Davis? Yes. Miss Sanchez? Miss Sanchez?
Yes. Miss Sul? Miss Delbene? Miss Delbene. Yes.
Miss Chiu. Miss Chiu. Yes. Miss Moore. Miss Moore.
Yes. Mr. Boyle. Mr. Boyle. Yes. Mr Bayer.
Mister Bayer, yes. Mr. Evans. Mr Schneider. Mister Schneider, yes. Mr Panetta.
Mister Panetta, yes. Mr. Gomez. Mister Horsford? Mr Horsford? Yes.
Miss Plasket? Mister Swazi. Mister Swazi, yes. Mr Doggett. Miss Sul.
Mr. Evans. Mr. Gomez. Miss Plaskett.
Chairman Smith? Yes. Chairman Smith? Yes.
Speaker 1
There being 40 yeses and zero noes, the motion is agreed to an HR 74 32 as amended, as ordered favorably reported to the house. Without objection, I ask that staff be authorized to make technical and conforming changes to HR 7432, and that members have two additional days to file with the committee clerk supplemental additional dissenting or minority views. Our next order of business is HR 7463, the foster youth postsecondary education access and success act introduced by representatives Judy Chu and Nathaniel Moran, which will provide greater academic support for foster youth pursuing a postsecondary education and increased awareness about the education and training voucher program. Representative Moran has been a leader in identifying these government bureaucracies that get in the way of success. He has worked closely with the Texas Workforce Commission to expand opportunities for work for all types of Americans, making him a perfect fit to lead this effort on behalf of foster youth.
Another Texan, Jaden Martinez, who testified at our roundtable, made a compelling case to update the Chafee program to increase the value of the voucher and level the playing field. We're glad to have Texans of all stripes leading this effort, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. And I'm pleased to recognize the gentleman from Texas, Mister Marian, to provide an opening statement.
Speaker 14
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise in strong support of HR 7463, the foster youth post secondary education access and success act, which I am proud to colead with congresswoman Choo. Several weeks ago, I had the privilege of hearing from Jaden Martinez, a student from Steven F. Austin University, just about an hour from my house. Jaden's story is one of resilience in the face of instability, abuse, and constant uncertainty, circumstances no young person should have to endure. His parents were unable to care for him. Like so many foster youth, he was forced to navigate life in the midst of uncertainty.
Unfortunately, Jaden's experience is not unique. Thousands of young adults aging out of foster care face similar challenges as they try to build a future. At the same time, a government accountability office report found that in fiscal year 2023, 28 states returned unused education and training voucher funds, including more than 1,300,000 from my home state of Texas, despite the clear and ongoing need among foster youth for these funds. This statistic alone underscores why this legislation is necessary. HR 7463 strengthens the education and training voucher program by doing two things.
First, increasing the maximum amount annually that can be awarded from 5,000 to 12,000 without increasing the overall program appropriations. And second, by giving states the flexibility to provide a short, structured grace period for students who are struggling academically. It aligns with President Trump's directive to ensure that unused federal funds intended for foster youth are actually redirected to support their educational success. This is a practical bipartisan solution that better aligns resources with the needs and gives foster youth a fair chance to succeed. We have a responsibility to invest in the next generation, especially those who have had to overcome the greatest obstacles.
Students like Jaden are not just stories. They're inspirations, and they are the future of this country. I am proud to co-lead this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support it. With that, I yield back.
Speaker 2
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me yield my time to the gentle lady from California, Miss Chou.
Speaker 15
Thank you. I'm so proud that today this committee is marking up bill H.R. 7463, the Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act, which I co-lead with Congress member Nathaniel Moran. Foster youth face so many barriers in so many areas of their lives, including attaining a college education. That's why in 2001, Congress created education and training vouchers or ETVs under the Shafee program, which provide foster youth a voucher of up to $5,000 per year to attend college. However, during a subcommittee hearing last year, a former foster youth witness described the unique challenges he faced while navigating college and shared that he wasn't even aware of resources he was eligible for, including ETV, until it was too late.
The data back this up. Currently, only about one third of eligible youth who attend college even receive an ETV. Another witness at the hearing shared that the maximum value of the ETV, $5,000 per year, is far too low to truly help cover the cost of higher education. In fact, that amount hasn't been updated since the program was created 25 years ago. That's exactly why I introduced HR 74 63.
My bill would raise the maximum value of the ETV from $5,000 to $12,000, to make higher education more affordable for foster youth. It would also address many of the barriers we know youth face in accessing the ETV. First, it would improve state outreach to ensure that more youth are made aware of the ETV. It would also make it easier for youth to apply for ETV by requiring a simplified application that is user-tested, easy to understand, and available electronically. And finally, the bill would help more foster youth maintain their voucher for the full duration of their education.
Currently, foster youth lose access to ETV if they fall short of meeting their state's satisfactory academic progress requirements. This can happen for many reasons, as we know foster youth face disproportionate challenges that may hinder their studies. My bill would allow for a grace period for youth who are temporarily struggling, so they can get back on track academically without losing their voucher. This bill will make important progress toward ensuring more foster youth can earn a degree. But if we want to truly ensure that all foster youth can pursue higher education and follow their dreams, this legislation must also be paired with a corresponding increase in overall funding for Shafi ETV.
Without an increase, many states will be forced to choose between raising ETV ward amounts or serving fewer young people. In my state of California, for example, the maximum award has already been reduced to 4500 per year so that states can serve more youth, and yet there are still over 600 young people on a waiting list to receive ETV. Only additional funding can address these shortfalls and ensure that all youth receive full support. ETC's funding authorization of $60,000,000 hasn't been updated since the program was first created in 2001. If this were adjusted for inflation alone, it would probably be over 100,000,000 now.
We must also increase funding for the entire Shafee program, which has only been increased by a measly $3,000,000 since Congress created the program in 1999. If we are serious about wanting to improve outcomes, our investments must reflect the real needs of the young people we are trying to serve. So while my bill and other bills being marked up today would make meaningful progress toward ensuring the SHAFI program works better for foster youth, we must not stop here. After today's markup, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to increase funding for SHAVY and ETV to truly meet the needs of our youth. And I look forward to strengthening other programs that help support older foster youth, such as my bipartisan bill, which I just introduced, the Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act.
With today's markup, and going forward, we will continue working until foster youth have the resources and support to reach their full potential. Thank you.
Speaker 1
Thank you. The committee will now proceed to consideration of HR 7463, the Foster Youth Post Secondary Education Access and Success Act. Without objection, the measure will be considered as read and open for amendment at any point. At this time, I offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute, which was distributed in advance, along with a green sheet explaining it. Without objection, the amendment and the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read, open for amendment at any point, and considered the base text for the purpose of amendment.
I will now turn to Cheryl Freeman, work and welfare subcommittee staff director, to provide a technical description of the amendment and the nature of a substitute, with an emphasis on the changes made since introduction. I ask that members hold their questions until after her presentation.
Speaker 6
Thank you, Chairman Smith, and Ranking Member Neil. HR 7463, the Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act, modifies Title IV-E of the Social Security Act at section 477I as it relates to the Chafee Education and Training Voucher or ETV program. As reflected on the green sheet, the chairman's amendment in the nature of a substitute modifies H.R. Sec. 7463 as introduced on page two, lines eight through 15, by making a technical correction to move the parenthetical phrase to follow that program instead of training program, and by striking lines 16 through 17. These changes are consistent with the intent of the provisions to correct references and make conforming changes. Mister chairman, that completes my walk-through.
I'm happy to answer any technical questions.
Speaker 1
Thank you. Are there any technical questions about the amendment and the nature of the substitute? Mister.
Speaker 1
Any technical questions? Seeing none, we will move to strike the last word. Mr. Thompson is recognized.
Speaker 7
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I wanna thank everyone who's worked on this important piece of legislation. But, again, we're making incremental improvements while our entire education system is under attack. This is like repainting the walls in your kitchen while the foundation is crumbling. We need to make sure that everybody has access to quality, affordable education.
You don't need an advanced degree to know that eliminating successful student loan repayment plans will increase costs for the students. You don't need an advanced degree to know that capping borrowing options hikes the cost, and you don't need an advanced degree to know that eliminating the Department of Education will increase the cost for students. I support this bill. I encourage everyone to vote accordingly, but I would urge everyone on the dais to work together to figure out how we lower the cost to make sure everyone will be able to get a good education. Failing to do so is gonna make it much more difficult for us to educate our doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers, and other professionals.
And even in the technical space, we're really putting students at a disadvantage. So vote yes. Let's agree to work on these issues. Let's lower the cost of student loans. Let's make sure that everybody has access to education.
I yield back. Thank you, Mr. Davis.
Speaker 9
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I strongly support HR 7463 led by representatives Chu and Moran that would improve access to sec post secondary education for foster youth. A college degree increases the likelihood of employment and higher earnings. Unfortunately, foster youth face significant barriers to accessing and completing college. Although the vast majority of foster youth want to go to college, less than 10 percent of foster youth obtain a two-year or four-year degree by age 23, with men being significantly less likely to complete college.
Given that foster youth often experience considerable financial hardship, and given that Pell grants currently cover a small percentage of education expenses, Chafee education and training vouchers are essential supports for foster youth to access and graduate post-secondary education. Indeed, over the past few decades, many foster youth participating in the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute congressional intern program have asked for improvements to these training vouchers. So I applaud this bill for substantially raising the potential amount of these vouchers from $5,000 to 12,500 and for making it easier for foster youth to learn about, apply and use education and training vouchers. This bill is a strong first step. In addition, our committee should work to secure the funding needed to deliver $12,500 in vouchers for foster youth.
In the current environment where discretionary education funds keep getting cut, the Ways and Means Committee is in a unique position to guarantee the delivery of these funds. In addition, research is clear that for many youth, more than education and training vouchers are needed. Research shows that foster youth who attend a four-year college and receive education training vouchers and who participated in college support systems were significantly more likely to graduate, with the first year of college being a critical intervention point. Additional support beyond the vouchers is critical. Further studies by Chapin Hall suggest several predictors associated with college enrollment.
High school grades, reading proficiency, education encouragement, and participation in independent living. In contrast, contemporary factors like child care responsibilities, work, and economic hardship. I strongly support this bill and urge its passage. Foster youth need it tremendously. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Now you go back.
Speaker 1
Thank you. Are there additional members that wish to strike the last word? Seeing none, we will move to the amendments. Are there any amendments to the amendment in the nature of a substitute? With no amendments, the question is on the adoption of the amendment in the nature of a substitute.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Opposed, say no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, the amendment in the nature of a substitute is agreed to. Will now recognize Mister Buchanan for the purpose of offering a motion.
Speaker 11
Mister chairman, I move the committee favorably report H.R. 7463 as amended to the House of Representatives.
Speaker 1
The question is on the motion to favorably report H.R. 7463 as amended to the House of Representatives. The clerk will call the roll.
Speaker 12
Mister Buchanan? Yes. Mister Buchanan? Yes. Mister Smith of Nebraska?
Mister Smith of Nebraska? Yes. Mister Kelly? Mister Kelly? Yes.
Mister Schweiker? Mister Schweikert, yes. Mister Le Hood? Yes. Mister Le Hood?
Yes. Mr. Arrington? Mr. Arrington? Yes. Mister Estes?
Mister Estes? Yes. Mr. Smucker? Mr. Smucker? Yes.
Mister Hearne? Yes. Mister Hearne? Yes. Mrs. Miller?
Mrs. Miller? Yes. Doctor Murphy? Doctor Murphy? Yes.
Mister Kustoff? Mister Kustoff? Yes. Mister Fitzpatrick? Mister Fitzpatrick?
Yes. Mister Stubby? Mister Stubby? Yes. Miss Tennie?
Miss Tennie? Yes. Miss Fishbach? Mr Moore? Miss Van Dyne?
Yes. Van Dyne? Yes. Mister Feenstra? Mister Feenstra?
Yes. Miss Maliatokis? Miss Maliatokis, yes. Mister Carey. Mister Carey, yes.
Mister Yackm? Yes. Mister Yackm? Yes. Mister Miller?
Mister Miller? Yes. Mr Bean? Yes. Mr Bean?
Yes. Mister Moran? Yes. Mister Moran? Yes.
Mr Neil? Yes. Mr Neil? Yes. Mister Doggett?
Mr. Thompson? Mister Thompson? Yes. Mister Larson? Mister Larson?
Yes. Mr. Davis? Mr. Davis? Yes. Miss Sanchez?
Miss Sanchez? Yes. Miss Sul? Miss Delbene? Miss Delbene?
Yes. Miss Chiu? Miss Chiu? Yes. Miss Moore?
Hi. Miss Moore? Yes. Mister Boyle? Mister Boyle?
Yes. Mister Bayer? Mister Bayer? Yes. Mister Evans?
Mister Schneider? Yes. Mister Schneider? Yes. Mister Panetta?
Yes. Mister Panetta? Mister Gomez? Mister Horstford? Yes.
Mister Horstford? Yes. Miss Plasket? Mister Swazi? Mister Swazi?
Yes. Miss Fishbach? Mr. Moore? Yes. Mister Moore?
Yes. Mister Doggett? Miss Sewell? Mister Evans? Mister Gomez?
Miss Plaskett? Chairman Smith? Yes. Chairman Smith? Yes.
Speaker 1
There being 39 yeses and zero no, the motion is agreed to in HR 7463 as amended as ordered favorably reported to the house. Without objection, I ask that staff be authorized to make technical and conforming changes to HR 7463, and that members have two additional days to file with the committee clerk supplemental additional dissenting or minority views. Our next order of business is HR 7343, the Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act introduced by representatives Max Miller and Dwight Evans, which will expand flexibility in the Chafee Education and Training Voucher program to allow youth to access short-term workforce and vocational training and credentialing programs. Since coming to Congress, Congressman Miller has been an outspoken voice in favor of expanding opportunities to people from all walks of life. And he's been an outstanding champion for the vocational training schools in Ohio's 7th Congressional District.
His effort to ensure young people have multiple career pathways to success closely complements the priorities he's been fighting for. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I'm pleased to recognize a gentleman from Ohio, Mr. Miller, for an opening statement.
Speaker 16
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I truly appreciate your kind comments and working with the Ways and Means staff. I'm pleased to speak in support of my bipartisan bill, H.R. 7343, the Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act. This legislation will expand the Chafee program's education and training vouchers so they can be used at short-term training and career technical education programs that lead into demand jobs. This will help youth feel comfortable pursuing alternative career paths without worrying too much about financial barriers.
The Chafee program has not had significant changes made to it since its creation. As a result, states are returning millions of dollars of unused funds annually. This is mainly due to vouchers being limited in use and are traditionally used at four-year universities rather than be used by youth interested in technical and trade careers. We know that in modern economy, in this modern economy, many in-demand, high-paying jobs do not require a four-year degree. So we should not be forcing young people to get one.
We need to give the options and flexibility to pursue multiple career pathways, whether it is in health care, construction, information technology, or skilled trades. This expansion will not cost the federal government anything. Right now, states are returning unused voucher funds because of under utilization. My home state of Ohio returned more than $400,000 in the fiscal year 2023. But we also know that it isn't because there aren't any foster youth out there who need it.
During hearings, I've heard about the impact of these vouchers on students enrolled at Cuyahoga County Community College in my home districts, and the results, they're incredible. This bill also codifies part of President Trump and the First Lady's Fostering the Future executive order. The EO says to expand ETVs for short-term career-focused credential awarding programs. This bill expands ETVs for remedial education purposes and provides foster youth an extra year of ETV eligibility if used for this purpose, so that youth can receive the academic support they need in a high school diploma or qualify for a post-secondary program. By passing this legislation, which has more than 150 endorsements, including from Action Ohio, Public Children's Services Association of Ohio, and the Ohio Youth Advisory Board, we can equip fostered youth with the tools they need to secure a bright future and achieve upward mobility.
My bill will help states like Ohio, which returned more than $400,000 in unused funds in 2022, deliver those funds to foster youth so they can receive support to access workforce training programs. I urge my colleagues to support this bill in the package of bills being considered today. Thank you, mister chairman, and thank you to the Ways and Means Committee staff. I yield back.
Speaker 1
Thank you, Mr. Miller. We'll recess until after the votes, and then, we'll come back. Thank you.
Speaker 17
The committee will come to order. Mister Evans is recognized for an opening statement.
Speaker 4
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm still we are making up this bill, and I'm co-leading with Mister Miller, the foster workforce opportunity act. This bill will help those use Mr. Chafee's training voucher for education or training. These bills are a good first step to help reform the childcare program. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle.
We must continue to work together to help foster youth in this country. I thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Speaker 17
Thank you. The committee will now proceed to consideration of H.R. 7343, the Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act. Without objection, the measure will be considered as read and open for amendment at any point. At this time, I offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute, which was distributed in advance, along with the green sheet explaining it. Without objection, the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read, open for amendment at any point, and considered base text for purpose of amendment.
I will now turn to Cheryl Freeman, work and welfare subcommittee staff director, to provide a technical description of the amendment and the nature of a substitute, with an emphasis on the changes made since introduction. I ask that members hold their questions until after her presentation.
Speaker 6
Thank you, Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Neil. HR 7343, the Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act, modifies title IV-E of the Social Security Act at section 477I as it relates to the Chafee education and training voucher program. This bill clarifies the use of ETVs for attendance at a community college and expands allowable uses to include short-term workforce training programs that meet workforce Pell standards and the Higher Education Act. HR 7343 also expands the allowable use of ETBs to be used for costs associated with participation in apprenticeship programs, obtaining a general equivalency degree or remedial education, and provides an additional year of eligibility for remedial education, allowing up to six years, whereas ETVs are otherwise limited to five years. Finally, the bill aligns the eligibility requirements in Chafee and the ETV program to include foster youth who have left foster care for kinship, guardianship, or adoption beginning at age 14.
As reflected on the green sheet, the chairman's amendment in the nature of a substitute modifies H.R. 7343 as introduced. On page four, line one, by striking not provided by and inserting not already available through. These changes are consistent with the intent of the provisions to correct references and make conforming changes. Mister chairman, that completes my walk-through. I'm happy to answer technical questions.
Speaker 17
Thank you. Are there any technical questions from members about the amendment in the nature of a substitute? Seeing none, does anyone wish to strike the last word? Mister Hearne is recognized for five minutes.
Speaker 18
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The topic of this markup today is very near and dear to my wife and me, supporting the most vulnerable of our nation's children. Those who do not have stable families of their own to take care of them are something she and I are very passionate about. I'm grateful for the First Lady's leadership on this issue and her dedication to supporting America's children. I'd also like to thank the chairman for holding this markup so that we can better support foster youth in America.
The Chafee Foster Care Program provides critical resources for older foster youth, setting them up for independence and a successful transition to adulthood. Oklahoma uses these funds for the Oklahoma Successful Adult Program, which serves foster youth at various stages to help them achieve self-sufficiency. OKSA focuses on several targeted areas of support, including education, employment, and life skills. The Chafee program allows states to provide a range of programs to support foster youth, but states have been returning these funds to the federal government for nearly two decades. Oklahoma returned over $145,000 in 2018 despite the need for support from foster youth.
The reforms made by this package of bills we are marking up today will allow states to better utilize these funds and better successfully help foster youth gain self-sufficiency as they enter into adulthood. One of the reasons I decided to run for Congress was that the American dream no longer felt accessible for all Americans. I felt that a child growing up like I did, coming from a school to a house with no running water, not knowing if there would be food on the table, would not have the same opportunities today as I did back then. And growing up in the environment I did, it took hard work, education, and the right opportunities for me to make it to this point in my life. I was determined to pull myself up, and I knew that obtaining an education was the best way to reach my goals.
I am proud to cosponsor the Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act, allowing young adults in foster care to access short-term workforce training programs that lead to in-demand jobs, expanding their opportunities for success. Education doesn't look the same for everyone, and a four-year degree isn't always the best option. Workforce and vocational training programs provide specialized and career-specific training, allowing individuals to enter the workforce with the necessary skills to succeed. A foster youth named Anna who is pursuing trade school shared her support for the bill, saying it would, quote, help create some breathing room, end quote, for her as she finishes her training. We owe it to America's foster youth to ensure the chiefly program is working for them, providing them with the best opportunities for success and independence.
This legislation and the package of reforms that we are considering today will make a meaningful difference in their lives and of all foster youth and ensure they can achieve and receive the resources they need for a successful future. I yield back.
Speaker 19
Thank you very much. I am proud to support HR 7343, the foster youth workforce opportunity act introduced by congressman Miller and congressman Evans. This bipartisan bill has a common-sense approach to expanding opportunity for foster youth by making sure federal resources reflect the real-world pathways young people are choosing today. The Safe education and training voucher program provides up to $5,000 per year to help foster youth pursue education and training. But too often, these funds are geared towards traditional four-year colleges, even though many young people are interested in trade schools, workforce programs, apprenticeships that lead directly to good paying jobs.
This bill makes practical, straightforward updates. It clarifies that vouchers can be used at community colleges and expands eligibility to include short-term workforce training programs that meet strong quality standards. It also allows funds to support apprenticeships, GED programs, and remedial education. And importantly, it gives foster youth who need additional preparation more time to succeed by extending eligibility from 5 years to 6 years. Right now, millions of dollars are going unused.
In fiscal year 2022 alone, 28 states returned more than 6,300,000 in unspent voucher funds. That's unacceptable when there are young people aging out of foster care who could be using that support to build a future. And this allows those dollars to go to work for the youth. In my district, organizations like the Siemens Society for Children and Families on Staten Islands, this was an organization I was very proud to serve on the board of. They're looking for ways to help foster youth transition into adulthood.
They know that success doesn't look the same for every young person, and this bill gives them the flexibility to connect youth with the right opportunities, whether that's education, job training, or career placement. And as a former board member of this organization, I've seen firsthand the impact of their work and the challenges that our youth still face. This common sense approach is also supported by leading child welfare advocates, including Fostering Youth Success Alliance, hashtag end systemic abuse, and the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy in New York. At the end of the day, this legislation is about results and making sure that money is well spent and going to help the very people that it's intended for. It's about making sure that foster youth have real options, that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively, and that local partners have the tools they need to help our young people succeed.
And by cutting the red tape and expanding opportunity, we are better preparing our foster youth for independence and long-term success. With that, I'm very proud to support this bill, and I urge everyone to vote for it, and I yield back.
Speaker 20
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You know, like yesterday's hearing, I think there are a lot of issues here, it's nice to see some good bipartisan work. There were a lot of things that came out of yesterday's hearing. I think there's a lot of a rich environment, a target rich, I like to say, things that we can work on. And this, obviously, this issue with foster care is one of these.
I just wanna say I fully support HR 7343, the Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act, which improves the education and training vouchers program by expanding how foster youth can use those funds, specifically making short term workforce training programs and their apprenticeships eligible for these vouchers. These reforms are needed now more than ever, and it is a crippling statistic to hear that only 8 to 10 percent of foster youth earn a two or four year degree by their mid twenties, compared to almost fifty percent by their peers. And only one third of those foster youth gain employment by age 21. Those are crippling statistics. I'm a strong believer in the great amount of dignity that comes from work, getting up, having purpose, getting a job, and doing a job well done.
Work is not just a paycheck. It gives people a reason to get out of bed. They show up, put up the effort, produce something, and discover themselves in something that can't be taught in any other way. This allows them to learn skills that are transferable, makes time, gives them time management skills, communication, accountability, all the things that need to a wonderful and successful career and, honestly, a life worth living. Work is a great place to build relationships and make friends.
Some of the best friends are the people that I've worked with, even a couple here in Congress, and I think everyone in the room can say the same. A few in Congress, maybe not, but that's a different issue. Work allows young people, especially those in foster care, to take the next step in their lives and earn a living. I've been in foster homes when I was in the state house. I did a lot of work going into foster homes.
Those are challenging environment. And if you took a second and put yourself in the shoes of a child who has either been abandoned or put in a foster home and they move from foster home to foster home, we had one young man that came at the hearing the other day. What a spectacular speech he gave, but what a challenging environment that is for young individuals to find meaningful, to find meaning and purpose. So I think anything that we can do to support these individuals is critical. I'm proud to support this bill, and I'm thankful to Congressman Miller, Evans, and First Lady Melania Trump for all of their efforts in supporting foster youth.
I yield back and encourage my colleagues for urgent and quick and successful vote. Thank you. I'll yield back.
Speaker 17
Thank you. Any other members wishing to strike the last word? Just very briefly, I would like to add my appreciation to the entire committee for working on this very important issue, and certainly modernizing the programs that can really make a positive impact. I certainly salute the University of Nebraska Lincoln that in 2024, they initiated the Nebraska Youth Homelessness System Improvement Project to help identify youth in need of stable housing and to make it easier for them to navigate available services. And, appreciate the comments previously made and appreciation of the First Lady's efforts with the committee specifically, and certainly on the issue in general.
Any others wishing to strike the last word? Seeing none, are there any amendments to the amendment in the nature of a substitute? Seeing none, if there are no further amendments, the question is on the adoption of the amendment in the nature of a substitute. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.
Those opposed, nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, and the amendment in the nature of a substitute is agreed to. I will now recognize Mr. Buchanan for the purpose of offering a motion.
Speaker 11
Mister chairman, I move the committee favorably report H.R. 7343 as amended to the House of Representatives.
Speaker 17
The question is on the motion to favorably report H.R. 7343 as amended to the House of Representatives. Clerk, call the roll.
Speaker 12
Mister Buchanan, yes. Mister Smith of Nebraska. Mister Smith of Nebraska, yes. Mr Kelly. Mr. Kelly.
Yes. Mister Schweikert. Mister Schweikert. Yes. Mister Le Hood.
Mister Le Hood? Yes. Mr. Arrington? Yes. Arrington?
Yes. Mister Estes? Mister Estes? Yes. Mr. Smucker?
Mr. Smucker? Yes. Mister Hearne. Yes. Mister Hearne.
Yes. Mrs. Miller. Yes. Mrs. Miller. Yes.
Doctor Murphy.
Speaker 12
Doctor Murphy. Yes. Mister Kustoff. Yes. Mister Kustoff.
Yes. Mister Fitzpatrick? Yes. Mister Fitzpatrick? Yes.
Mister Stubby? Mister Stubby? Yes. Miss Tennie? Miss Fishbach?
Mr. Moore. Yes. Mr. Moore. Yes. Miss Van Dyne.
Mr Feenstra. Miss Melia Takis. Miss Melia Takis. Yes. Mr. Kerry.
Speaker 12
Mr. Kerry. Yes. Mister Yackm. Mister Yackm. Yes.
Mister Miller? Mr. Miller? Yes. Mr Bean? Ben, yes.
Mr Bean? Yes. Mister Moran? Yes. Mister Moran?
Yes. Mister Neal? Yes. Mister Neal? Yes.
Mister Doggett? Mister Thompson? Mister Thompson? Yes. Mister Larson?
Yes. Mister Larson? Yes. Mister Davis? Mister Davis?
Yes. Miss Sanchez? Miss Sanchez? Yes. Miss Sul?
Miss Delbene? Miss Delbene? Yes. Miss Chou? Miss Chou?
Yes. Miss Moore? Miss Moore? Yes. Mister Boyle?
Mister Boyle? Yes. Mister Bayer? Yes. Mister Beyer?
Yes. Mister Evans? Yes. Mister Evans? Yes.
Mister Schneider? Mister Schneider? Yes. Mister Panetta? Mister Panetta, yes.
Mister Gomez? Mister Gomez? Yes. Mr. Horseford? Mr. Horseford?
Yes. Miss Plasket? Mister Swazi? Mister Swazi? Yes.
Miss Tennie. Miss Fischbach. Miss Van Dyne. Miss Van Dyne, yes. Mister Feenstra?
Mister Feenstra? Yes. Mr Doggett? Miss Sewell? Miss Plaskett, Chairman Smith?
Yes. Chairman Smith? Yes.
Speaker 1
There being 40 yeses and zero noes, the motion is agreed to an HR 73 43 as amended as ordered favorably reported to the house. Without objection, I ask that staff be authorized to make technical and conforming changes to HR 7343, and the members have two additional days to file with the committee clerk supplemental additional dissenting or minority views. Our next order of business is HR 7529, the Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act introduced by Work and Welfare Subcommittee ranking member Davis and chairman LeHood. This bill will improve access to legal services for foster youth. Youth who age out of the child welfare system often lack permanent connections to family, and face barriers that can make transitioning into adulthood difficult.
Mister LeHood has been one of the most consistent voices in congress for so many of these youth, and I was so pleased that we heard directly from a foster youth from chairman LeHood's home state of Illinois, Jocelyn, who shared with us at our roundtable the importance of the changes we are making today. Like many of the bills we're looking at today, feedback from youth who have experienced foster care and the caseworkers and community organizations on the ground has been a key driver, and this bill in particular reflects that. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I'm pleased to recognize the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. LeHood, for an opening statement.
Speaker 3
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word, and I wanna thank you, Chairman Smith, for your leadership and partnership on all of these bills that we're debating and marking up and passing today. Foster youth who age out of care often face unique challenges compared to their peers as they enter their early twenties. So the bill that we have today, HR seventy five twenty nine, Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act helps to give support to those youth. Their path to disability is not always straightforward.
It may require them to access legal services and resolve issues that they may not have foreseen. To this end, I have joined my friend and colleague, ranking member Danny Davis, in introducing the Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act. This bipartisan bill will ensure that states take legal issues into consideration as part of case planning for Shafi-eligible foster youth. According to an estimate by the Casey Family Programs, more than 70 percent of foster youth are separated from one or more of their siblings while in foster care. Entering the foster welfare system is already traumatic for children, and being separated from their siblings only adds to that trauma.
As some youth age out of the system, their youngest siblings may still remain in care. Often, older foster youth need access to legal services to help them take custody or legal guardianship of their younger siblings. Further, in 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General published a report which found that foster youth are highly vulnerable to identity theft. This is due to the fact that they're personally identified, and financial information is accessed by various people when they change placements in foster care. As a result of these different placements, youth can easily become victims of credit fraud, leading to inaccurate information on credit reports under their name and making them more vulnerable to identity theft and fraud.
I recently learned about a foster youth from Canton, Ohio named Lyric, who wrote in support of our bill. He shared how he was setting up a new Wi-Fi router at his home and was shocked to learn there were already several bills that had his name attached to it. He shared that if the identity of a foster youth is misused, it limits their future and transition to adulthood before it ever begins. Lyric went on to say, how would you feel if you're going to set up Wi Fi at your home only to find out there are bills already in your name, by several others? For so many foster youth, that's not a question.
It's a reality. For someone whose name carries a story, I know how much it means to have a fresh start. When records aren't cleared, identities are misused, or housing barriers exist, it doesn't just follow us. It limits our future before it even begins. The Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act is about protection, fairness, and giving us a real chance to step into adulthood clean, stable, and free.
Unfortunately, foster care is already a barrier, and our past shouldn't decide how far we go, unquote, from Lyric. These types of issues can be real barriers for foster youth. And as we seek as they seek employment and try to access housing, auto loans, and other basic needs needed for a foundation for stability, access to legal services and counseling can help. By supporting the Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act, we can ensure that a history of being in foster care does not limit the potential of foster youth as they move towards a path of stability and self-sufficiency. With that, Mister Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back.
Speaker 9
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Mr. Neil. Mister chairman, I'm proud of the sincere collaborative process in which chairman Le Hood and I have engaged that yielded these six pieces of legislation that signify a real consensus. These bills reflect first steps that represent real progress, and I believe that we can accomplish far more, especially with the first lady's support. Foster youth face numerous challenges as they transition to adulthood. Foster youth can experience legal needs that often are acute and time-sensitive, threatening a young person's housing, educational goals, income, and family stability at a time when they have the least support.
Since launching its virtual support services program for foster youth in 2021. Think of Us reports that 18% of all requests from transition-aged youth are for help with legal services. A few of the issues include housing stability and eviction defense, guardianship and custody, especially for youth informally caring for relatives, needs of expectant and parenting youth, reentry into extended care, legal issues, education, and disability advocacy. I wanna thank Nicholas Hughley, a former foster youth intern with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, for raising the issue of urgent legal services. Chairman Lehurd and I lead the Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act, which would help foster youth transition to adulthood by providing better access to resources to legal issues affecting housing, education, employment, and family conditions.
Specifically, the bill would amend the chafee program to require states to consider legal issues affecting youth as part of case planning and to provide states with the option to use funds to support access to legal representation and counseling. I am grateful that this bill is supported by over 140 foster youth, legal, and child and family advocates. I'm proud of this bill and the other 5 we are considering today, and I hope that they are just the first of many bipartisan accomplishments. Notably, there's a critical need for more investment. Aside from the pandemic, Congress has only increased Chafee funding by $3,000,000 since its creation in 1999.
Excluding the funds we later added and training vouchers, which also have not been adjusted for inflation. So right now, we spend about $143,000,000 a year on Chafee. If the 1999 funding had been adjusted for inflation, Chafee would receive $270 million each year. The amount of investment needed today is tiny compared to the fiscal impact of a routine tax markup in our committee all day at the Defense Department. Yet, such funding could be life-changing for foster youth.
Further, there are other important policy improvements we could make. For years, foster youth have championed my bill to help them obtain driving-related assistance. Transportation presents one of the biggest barriers for foster youth to access education and employment opportunities, especially in rural areas. The Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative found that foster youth with a driver's license were 1.6 times as likely as their peers to attend school and almost twice as likely to work. And Jocelyn, one of the foster youth who attended the roundtable with the first lady, spoke to me at length about how the peer mentoring program in Illinois was critical to her success.
We could also help youth build assets or connect youth to their kin, whether or not those family members are able to be foster parent placements. In closing, I am so grateful for the opportunity to do so much bipartisan work on child welfare during my 30 years in Congress. These bills today are important, improvements to chiefing. I have certainly enjoyed working with chairman of our subcommittee, chairman Darren Le Hood, and we will continue to work together and do even more before I retire. Thank you, mister chairman, and I yield back.
Speaker 1
Thank you, Mr. Davis. The committee will now proceed to consideration of H.R. 7529, the Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act. Without objection, the measure will be considered as read and open for amendment at any point. At this time, I offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute, which was distributed in advance, along with a green sheet explaining it. Without objection, the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read, open for amendment at any point, and considered the base text for the purpose of amendment.
I will now turn to Cheryl Freeman, work and welfare subcommittee staff director, to provide a technical description of the amendment and the nature of a substitute, with an emphasis on the changes made since introduction. I ask that members hold their questions until after her presentation.
Speaker 6
Thank you, Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Neal. HR 7529, the Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act, modifies Title IV-E of the Social Security Act at section 477 as it relates to the Chafee program. The bill clarifies the purposes section of the statute. The chafee is intended to support access to legal counsel. It also adds a new state plan requirement to include certification that the state has processes in place to take into consideration legal issues that may impact the youth's transition into adulthood as part of their case planning, as well as efforts required to address such issues.
As reflected in the green sheet, the chairman's amendment and the nature of a substitute modifies HR 7529 as introduced on page two, line 14, to strike the effect of. These changes are consistent with the intent of the provisions to correct references and make conforming changes. Mister chairman, that completes my walkthrough. I'm happy to answer technical questions.
Speaker 1
Thank you. Are there any technical questions about the amendment and the nature of the substitute? Seeing none, we'll move to strike the last word. Does any member wish to strike the last word? Miss Miller?
Speaker 21
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word. In my home state of West Virginia, more than 15,000 foster youth aged out of the child welfare system. While a majority of foster youth attained permanency, we know that there is more that can be done to improve the programs that support our nation's foster youth. We know that foster youth who age out of the system face a challenging path to adulthood and need stability.
These foster youth lack access to stable housing, educational support, legal services, and supportive networks. I appreciate the committee's focus on modernizing the John H. Taffey foster care program for a successful transition to adulthood. The bipartisan comprehensive package of bills being considered today reflects the needs of foster youth with lived experience. Specifically, the Fresh Starts of Foster Youth Act would help foster youth resolve legal issues they are facing during a vulnerable period in their lives.
Many foster youths need assistance addressing legal complications that can impact their ability to gain employment and build their futures. According to a foster youth named Russ who sent a letter of support, this bill is a smart, preventive approach that helps ensure young people aren't set back before they even have a fair chance to move forward. In addition, the package of bills members of this committee have introduced would address the chronic underutilization of chaffee program funds so that foster youth receive the critical support that they need. My home state of West Virginia has had trouble drawing down chaffey program funds, returning more than one-fifth of the money it has received from 2010 to 2023. But West Virginia is not the only state having trouble drawing down the funds.
According to the GAO, states have been returning funds since at least 2007, and 28 states returned $6,300,000 of unused education and training voucher funds in 2022. The return funds from states like West Virginia then end up in other states, really depriving the foster youth in my state of the resources that they need. Last December, the Mountain State Spotlight published an article about a teenager named Jaden Holt who wants to be a barber, but he's unable to afford barber school. The article states how he already has two sons and didn't know about the existence of federal resources referring to education and training vouchers to help him pay for school. The package of bipartisan bills considered today would expand the vouchers for trade and vocational programs such as barber school, and would require greater efforts to raise awareness about the vouchers.
Jaden stated in the article, I've never been the type to have hopes and dreams about stuff, because growing up, I never saw a future. This committee has a real opportunity to ensure that youth like Jaden can pursue their hopes and dreams by helping states like West Virginia draw down federal funds, and youth can pursue a career path of their choice and secure a brighter future. I urge my colleagues to support this package of bills, and I yield back.
Speaker 7
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I support this legislation, which allows states to better utilize funds to ensure foster youth can access critical legal services. But once again, we're making incremental improvements. There are bigger issues that our committee should be addressing. This is the greatest committee in Congress.
We should be taking on these issues, and we should be addressing them rather than making baby steps. The administration today is failing to address the root causes that lead many young people into the legal system in the first place. We know that behavioral and mental health challenges are a primary driver of youth involvement with the judicial system. Yet HR 1, passed out of this committee, passed out of the house, and signed into law, made deep cuts to the very services designed to address those challenges. In California, my home state, one in three residents rely on Medi Cal for essential care, including lifesaving, behavioral health services.
With these new cuts, added red tape, and increased administrative barriers, too many young people will be left without access to the care they need, the care that our communities need. As a result, more youth will be pushed into already strained county behavioral health systems, shifting costs to local governments. And for too many, the first point of intervention will not be care but contact with the law enforcement and the justice system. That's not right. If we are serious about helping foster youth, we must invest in prevention, not just in legal services after the fact.
Mister chairman, I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a report from the California Budget and Policy Center detailing the impacts that HR 1 will have on behavioral health care in California.
Speaker 5
Thank you so much, mister chairman, and I wanna give my full-throated support to HR 7529. You know, this is so prescient, doctor Davis and representative LaHood. There's some things we were discussing today that are just so obvious that youth aging out of foster care need, like housing or educational opportunities. But this really digs deep into some of the troubles that youth face when they're aging out. We've already mentioned identity theft.
So many children are exploited, their names being used on utility bills, and so on, and that needs to be straightened out with legal support. Name changes. Young people sometimes find themselves in situations where they must or should change their names in order to move forward in life with the name that most reflects their identity. Again, what was also mentioned was that sometimes they need legal help in searching for siblings, correcting birth certificates, or maybe even, as Mr. Thompson has suggested, challenging entries onto juvenile records. I think that this is very prescient.
I wanna thank the authors for bringing it forward, and I would urge all my colleagues to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Speaker 1
Are there additional members that wish to strike the last word? Seeing none, we will move to the amendments. Are there any amendments in the amendment in the nature of a substitute? Seeing no amendments, the question is on the adoption of the amendment in the nature of a substitute. All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
Aye. Those opposed, say no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, and the amendment in the nature of a substitute is agreed to. I will now recognize Mr. Buchanan for the purpose of offering a motion.
Speaker 11
Mister chairman, I move the committee favorably report H.R. 7529 as amended to the House of Representatives.
Speaker 1
The question is on the motion to favorably report HR 7529 as amended to the House of Representatives. The clerk will call the roll.
Speaker 12
Mister Buchanan? Yes. Mister Smith of Nebraska? Mr Kelly. Mister Schweikert.
Mister Lehud. Mister Lehud, yes. Mr. Arrington. Mister Estes. Mister Estes, yes.
Mr. Smucker? Mr. Smucker? Yes. Mister Hearne? Yes.
Mister Hearne? Yes. Mrs. Miller? Yes. Mrs. Miller?
Yes. Doctor Murphy?
Speaker 12
Mister Kustoff? Yes. Kustoff? Yes. Mister Fitzpatrick?
Mister Fitzpatrick? Yes. Mister Stuby? Mister Stuby? Yes.
Miss Tennie? Miss Fishbach? Miss Fishbach? Yes. Mister Moore?
Mr Moore? Yes. Miss Van Dyne? Miss Van Dyne? Yes.
Mr. Feenstra? Mister Feenstra? Yes. Miss Malia Takis? Miss Malia Takis?
Yes. Mister Carey? Mr. Carey? Yes. Mister Yackam?
Yes. Mister Yackam?
Speaker 12
Mister Miller? Yes. Mr. Miller? Yes. Mr Bean?
Yes. Mr Bean? Yes. Mr. Moran? Yes.
Mister Moran? Yes. Mister Neil? Mr Neil? Yes.
Mr Doggett? Mister Thompson? Mister Thompson? Yes. Mister Larson?
Yes. Mister Larson? Yes. Mr. Davis? Yes.
Mister Davis? Yes. Miss Sanchez? Miss Sanchez, yes. Miss Sul?
Miss Dalbene. Miss Dalbene, yes. Miss Chu. Miss Chu, yes. Miss Moore.
Miss Moore? Yes. Mister Boyle? Mister Boyle? Yes.
Mister Beyer? Yes. Mister Beyer? Yes. Mister Evans?
Mister Evans? Yes. Mister Schneider? Yes. Mister Schneider?
Yes. Mister Panetta? Mister Panetta? Yes. Mister Gomez?
Mister Gomez? Yes. Mr. Horseford? Mr. Horseford? Yes.
Miss Plasket? Mister Swazi? Mister Swazi, yes. Mister Smith of Nebraska. Mister Smith of Nebraska, yes.
Mister Kelly, yes. Mister Schweikert, yes. Mr. Arrington. Mister Arrington, yes. Miss Tennie.
Miss Tennie, yes. Mr Doggett. Miss Sewell. Miss Plaskett, Chairman Smith. Yes.
Chairman Smith, yes.
Speaker 1
There being 42 yeses and zero noes, the motion is agreed to in HR 7529 as amended, as ordered favorably reported to the house. Without objection, I ask that staff be authorized to make technical and conforming changes to HR 7529, and that members have two additional days to file with the committee clerk supplemental additional dissenting or minority views. Our next order of business is HR 7655, the support for expectant and parenting foster youth act introduced by representative Rudy Yachem and Work and Welfare Subcommittee ranking member Danny Davis, which will improve access to home visiting services offered through the maternal, infant, and early childhood home visiting program for youth in foster care who are expectant or parenting. In 2022, the committee worked on a bipartisan basis to reauthorize the MYCV program, a success led by Representative Joachim's predecessor, the late Miss Jackie Wielarski. Her work strengthened the program's focus on evidence-based interventions and made available additional matching funds for states.
Congressman Jocham is a perfect choice to build upon Jackie's great work to ensure those existing resources are connected to the foster care system, where we know that they can make a big impact. This is a creative and thoughtful bill that leverages the different resources Congress has made available in a truly meaningful way. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I'm pleased to recognize the gentleman from Indiana, Mr. Jocham, for an opening statement.
Speaker 22
Thank you, mister chairman, not only for the kind words, but also for recognizing the incredible work that my predecessor Jackie Walorsky did on this bill. As we held hearings on the Shafi program throughout the last year, we regularly heard that siloed programs and opaque guidelines create additional hurdles for foster youth transitioning to adulthood. The bills we are considering today are essential to better supporting foster youth and alleviating unnecessary challenges. Foster youth are more likely to become parents compared with their peers. Specifically, 70 percent of women in foster care become pregnant by the age of 21, compared with just 34 percent of their peers.
Navigating the foster youth system can be difficult enough, but adding the demands of parenting presents a special challenge for older foster youth who are also parents. I'm proud to lead the support for the Expected and Parenting Foster Youth Act with my friend, ranking member Davis. This bill strengthens the coordination between the Chafee program and the Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting or McVie program. I would like to share the story of a Hoosier named Jada who aged out of foster care and participated in the MYCV program. She shared that she didn't always have the best role models to teach her parenting skills, but the MYCV program gave her access to important postpartum resources and helped her build parenting skills and better understand her child's development.
My bill would help more parenting and expecting foster youth access the MYCV services by improving program coordination and allowing for specialized case management. Connecting foster youth with evidence-based MYCV services can help improve infant health, teach young parents critical skills, and promote early childhood literacy. These improved outcomes strengthen families and keep children from entering the foster care system. Thank you to ranking member Davis for your work on this bill and for your longtime support of the MYCV program. Passing these bipartisan bills will help modernize the Chafee program, alleviate resource fragmentation, and ultimately better support foster youth who are transitioning to adulthood.
I urge my colleagues to support these bills, and I yield back.
Speaker 9
Thank you, Mr. Neal. And it was indeed a pleasure to work with Representative Velasquez. Mister chairman, youth with foster care experience are at least 4 times more likely to become early parents than their peers. According to the National Youth in Transition database, 22 percent of young adults surveyed at age 21 who were in foster care at age 17 had welcomed a child in the prior two years. In contrast, the latest Kids' Count data center reports that only 5 percent of young adults aged 18 to 24 are parents.
These expectant and parenting foster youth face additional unique difficulties, such as restricted autonomy and parenting decisions, and possible challenges to their right to legal and physical custody of a child. Further, the numerous hurdles all foster youth face as they transition to adulthood, including limited financial, housing, employment, and educational opportunities, are even more complicated for young parents. Mister Jacob and I have the privilege of representing two states, Illinois and Indiana, two states that are national leaders in helping expectant and parenting foster youth address the unique challenges they face. I also want to recognize the efforts of researchers and advocates who've worked hard to understand the needs of and effective interventions to support these youth, including Mark Courtney and Amy Dwarski with Chapin Hall, Justin Hardy at Arizona State University, the Teen Parenting Services Network at UConn in Chicago, the Center for the Study of Social Policy, the Children's Law Center of California, Youth Villages, and the Transition AIDS Youth Research and Evaluation at the University of California at Berkeley. From their work, we know that specialized case management for expectant and parenting foster youth, coupled with connections to key resources, is important, especially to helping these youth transition to their new role as young parents.
One resource supported by decades of research is home visiting. Home visiting is demonstrated to help prevent child abuse and neglect, strengthen positive parenting, improve maternal and child health, and promote child development and school readiness. Home visiting programs provide pregnant women, new mothers and families with young children with regular planned visits from trained professionals who help them improve their healthy living and parenting skills, promote child development, and access needed resources and services. These services are vital for youth at risk, youth like young parents in foster care. I proudly joined with Representative Yakim to ensure that these young parents get what they need so that they and their children can thrive and survive.
The support for Expecting and Parenting Foster Youth Act would help Expecting and Parenting Foster Youth transition to adulthood by requiring state chafing programs to inform youth about the maternal infant and early childhood home visiting MIECHV program to better support expectant and parenting foster youth, and by encouraging states to provide tailored case management and resource coordination services to expectant and parenting foster youth. In our next efforts to help foster youth, I hope that we can also provide more financial support to states and tribes trying to help expectant and parenting foster youth and their children flourish. Providing these vulnerable foster youth with access to home visiting is especially personal for me because I'm honored to call bipartisan home visiting policies one of my proudest legacies of my 30 years in Congress. From my work with Senator Kit Bond and Representative Tom Osborne and Todd Platt to propose dedicated funding for home visiting in 2005, to my strong partnership with Representative Jackie Welowski to expand and enhance MEG B in 2022. We always put partisanship aside to help the children and families. I hope my colleagues will support this bill to ensure that expectant foster youth have access to home visiting today, and that when it comes time to reauthorize McView next congress, the committee will once again take bipartisan action to ensure that families in need of home visit get it.
Karen Jack is in my work into the future. I thank you, mister chairman, for your indulgence, and you're back the balance of my time.
Speaker 1
Thank you, Mr. Davis. We appreciate your heart and commitment to the foster youth. The committee will now proceed to consideration of HR 7655, the support for expectant and parenting foster youth act. Without objection, the measure will be considered as read and open for amendment at any point. At this time, I offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute, which was distributed in advance, along with the green sheet explaining it.
Without objection, the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read, open for amendment at any point, and considered base decks for the purpose of amendment. Will now turn to Cheryl Freeman, work in welfare subcommittee staff director, to provide a technical description of the amendment and the nature of a substitute, with an emphasis on the changes made since introduction. I ask that members hold their questions until after the presentation.
Speaker 6
Thank you, Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Neil. HR 7655, the Support for Expectant and Parenting Foster Youth Act, modifies Title IV-E of the Social Security Act at section 477 as it relates to the CHAFEE program. The bill adds a purpose and a new state plan requirement to include a certification that the state has processes in place to ensure that foster youth who is expecting or parenting are provided with information about services funded by the McVie program in the state. The bill also permits a state to use funds from its Chafee allotment to provide tailored case management and resource coordination services to eligible expectant and parenting foster youth. As reflected on the green sheet, the chairman's amendment and the nature of the substitute modifies HR 7655 as introduced on page three, line 11, to strike c and insert c one.
These changes are consistent with the intent of the provisions to correct references and make conforming changes. Mister chairman, that completes my walk-through. I'm happy to answer technical questions.
Speaker 1
Thank you. Are there any technical questions about the amendment and the nature of the substitute? Seeing none, we will move to strike the last word. Mister Moore, you're recognized to strike the last word.
Speaker 13
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word. I'm really pleased that the committee is continuing its bipartisan tradition of making reforms to our nation's foster care system to support vulnerable foster youth and families in our country. Last congress, this committee reauthorized and modernized the Title IV-B foster care program, which included a bill introduced to equip courts for training, legal representation, and technological modernization to improve the timeliness of foster youth waiting for adoption. Each year, however, nearly 16,000 foster youth age out of foster care without achieving their permanency goals.
In my home state of Utah, eight percent of children in foster care aged out in 2025. The committee's efforts to modernize and reform the Title IV-E Shafi foster care program will uplift these foster youth and provide them with the tools they need for success as they transition to adulthood. In particular, the support for expectant and parenting foster youth act will connect expecting and parenting youth in foster care with evidence based maternal, infant, and early childhood home visiting services that can improve the health of mothers, the family's economic well-being, and support healthy child development. In 2025, nearly 1,450 families were served by 18,600 home visits in just Utah. This bill will ensure the evidence based federal programs like MYCV are maximized and families in need, families that are in need receive critical support.
This bill also takes a preventative service-based approach to also ensure families can remain together and reduce the rate at which the children of fostered youth, you know, enter into the welfare system. Further, the bipartisan package of bills being considered in the committee today will make needed programmatic changes to the Shafi program to ensure the program is working as intended, and foster youth can receive the resources that they may need. From 2018 to 2022, my home state of Utah has returned unused education and training voucher funds. In 2022, Utah returned more than 80,000 in unused funds. Passing these reforms can ensure that funds get to foster youth in Utah, not passed along to other states like California that may have consistently taken unused funds from states like Utah.
So I'm sincerely grateful to First Lady Melania Trump for her leadership in advocating for reforms to the foster care system. So it's addressing the needs of foster youth today. I urge my colleagues to support this package of bills. I yield back. And the other more, Miss Moore.
Speaker 5
Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. And this bill is, I am so grateful that it has, I'm gonna distract the last word. This bill is so personal for me. As a person who gave birth at age 18, I could have been a foster youth because I was not living in my parents' home at the time. And I had a baby, and I had no idea what to do.
I went into labor on New Year's Day, of all days. I had no car. I had no money to use the phone booth, people will know about that, to call an ambulance. I had a baby, and I had no idea what to do. I had a child who had an asthma attack at four days old, had no pediatrician to call.
And thank god the doorbell rang one day, and there was the visiting nurse to help me navigate the first few months of my child's life. I didn't even know how to change a diaper. The visiting nurse taught me how to change a diaper. So I think that this is a very important initiative. There are many foster youth, of course, who are parents and are in foster care or find themselves with child as they age out.
And this, I think, will endure to the benefit of not only that foster youth, but to the well-being of the child that they bring into the world. And with that, I would yield back.
Speaker 1
Does any additional member wish to strike the last word? Seeing none, we will move to the amendments. Are there any amendments to the amendment in the nature of a substitute? Seeing none, the question is on the adoption of the amendment in the nature of a substitute. All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
Aye. Those opposed, say no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, the amendment in the nature of a substitute is agreed to. I will now recognize Mister Buchanan for the purpose of offering a motion.
Speaker 11
Mister chairman, I move the committee favorably reports H.R. 7655 as amended to the House of Representatives.
Speaker 1
The question is on the motion to favorably report HR 7655 as amended to the House of Representatives. The clerk will call the roll.
Speaker 12
Mister Buchanan? Yes. Miss Buchanan? Yes. Mister Smith of Nebraska?
Mister Smith of Nebraska? Yes. Mister Kelly? Mister Kelly? Yes.
Mister Schweiker? Mister Le Hood? Yes. Mister Le Hood? Yes.
Mr. Arrington? Mister Estes? Mister Estes? Yes. Mister Smucker?
Mr. Smucker? Yes. Mister Hearne? Yes. Mister Hearne?
Yes. Mrs. Miller? Mrs. Miller? Yes. Doctor Murphy?
Yes. Doctor Murphy? Yes. Mister Kustoff? Mister Kustoff?
Yes. Mister Fitzpatrick? Mister Fitzpatrick? Yes. Mister Stuby?
Mister Stuby? Yes. Miss Tennie? Miss Tenny, yes. Missus Fishbok.
Missus Fishbok, yes. Mr. Moore. Mister Moore, yes. Miss Van Dyne. Miss Van Dyne, yes.
Mr Feenstra. Mister Feenstra? Yes. Miss Malia Takis? Miss Malia Takis?
Yes. Mr Carey? Yes. Mister Yackam? Mister Yackam?
Yes. Mr. Miller? Mr Bean? Yes. Mr Bean?
Yes. Mister Moran? Yes. Mister Moran? Yes.
Mr Neil? Mister Neil? Yes. Mister Doggett? Mister Thompson?
Mister Thompson? Yes. Mr. Larson? Yes. Mister Larson?
Yes. Mr. Davis? Yes. Mr. Davis? Miss Sanchez?
Miss Sanchez? Yes. Miss Sul? Miss Dalbene? Miss Delbene, yes.
Miss Chiu? Hi. Miss Chiu? Yes. Miss Moore?
Hi. Miss Moore? Yes. Mister Boyle? Hi.
Mister Boyle? Yes. Mister Bayer? Yes. Mister Byr?
Yes. Mister Evans? Yes. Mister Evans? Yes.
Mister Schneider? Yes. Mister Schneider? Yes. Mister Panetta?
Yes. Mister Gomez? Mister Gomez? Yes. Mr. Horseford?
Mr. Horseford? Yes. Miss Plasket? Mister Swazi? Hi.
Mister Swazi? Yes. Mister Schweiker? Yes. Mister Schweikert?
Yes. Mr. Arrington? Mister Miller? Mr. Miller? Yes.
Mr Doggett? Miss Sewell? Miss Plaskett? Chairman Smith? Yes.
Chairman Smith? Yes.
Speaker 1
There being 41 yeses and zero noes, the motion is agreed to, and HR 7655 is amended as ordered favorably reported to the house. Without objection, I ask that staff be authorized to make technical and conforming changes to HR 7655, and that members have two additional days to file with the committee clerk supplemental, additional dissenting or minority views. Our next order of business is HR 7995, the Chafee Opportunities for New Networks and Existing Connection Trust or Connect Act, introduced by representatives Gwen Moore and Mike Carey, which will update the purposes of Chafee to reflect the importance of foster youth developing and maintaining meaningful connections with kin, peers, mentors, and other lifelong support networks. I'm grateful for the leadership of representatives Carrie and Moore for bringing this forward and recognizing the importance of relational health and support networks for foster youth to build real-world relationships that will help them navigate the transition to adulthood and achieve lasting independence. Mister Carey, in particular, has been outspoken about the importance of mentorship and listening to the voices of young people.
I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I'm pleased to recognize the gentleman from Ohio, Mr. Carey, for an opening statement.
Speaker 23
I wanna thank the chairman as well as the ranking member Neil, and both of their staffs for bringing these bills before the committee today. HR 7995, the chiefly opportunities for new networks in existing connection trust act or connect act is a bipartisan piece of legislation that I co-lead with my friend and colleague from Wisconsin, Congresswoman Gwen Moore. Our bill would add a pair of new purposes to the Chafee program. First, the bill strengthens the existing programs, quote, to help children who have experienced foster care at age 14 or older achieve meaningful permanent connections with caring adults, end of quote. We have changed that to develop and maintain sustained, supportive relationships with adults, mentors, and peers, and more.
We've also set out a goal for this to reduce isolation and ensure lifelong connections and support networks. Clarifying the goal and expanding the number of relationships that are pursued creates more flexibility based on each individual's needs and the opportunities that they have to access. Second, the CONNECT Act empowers foster youth to participate in the development of their own permanency plans. Whether this is continuing to seek adoption to prepare for independent adulthood, both or more foster children deserve to have their voices heard. This section also ensures that foster youth receive information about available services and programs that they qualify for in writing.
Within one year of enactment, the Department of Health and Human Services is required to issue guidance to the states on these changes. This includes standards for outreach, best practices for facilitating relationships, and documenting relationship-building activities. These changes, along with those of my colleagues, are overdue. Modernizing the Chafee program is not only necessary, but it is compassionate. We are ensuring that the next generation of foster youth is better equipped to transition successfully into adulthood.
This is something that we should all be proud of. I'm happy to see that this is a strong bipartisan activity that we are working to finally get many of these provisions enacted. Finally, I'd like to thank the vocal public advocacy for improving the foster youth system from the first lady and the president himself. Their leadership has been instrumental in spurring our efforts to institute these bipartisan reforms. I encourage all my colleagues to support this legislation so that we can get these reforms into law.
With that, Mister Chairman, I yield back.
Speaker 2
Thank you. Let me yield my time, Mister Chairman, to the gentle lady from Wisconsin, Miss Moore.
Speaker 5
Thank you so much, ranking member Neal, and thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank mister Carey for co-leading this extremely important bill. And I wanna join mister Carey and all others who recognize the leadership that the first lady, missus Melania Trump, has lent to these initiatives. And, hopefully, that will mean that we will be able to fund some of these initiatives that we are now voting on today. Again, I'm the co-chair of the congressional caucus on foster youth, and I've had the privilege to interact with youth who have been very resilient, but they have just barely survived the foster care system.
And I just wanna lift them up today for teaching us so many things. One thing that I heard time and time again was how isolating and lonely aging out of foster care can be. I've shared a little bit about my own lived experience, and I can tell you that turning 18, not living with your mom or dad, and having a baby is quite frankly terrifying. And youth who are aging out oftentimes are unable to achieve permanency with the foster or adoptive family, kinship caregivers, or even their own biological families through no fault of their own. This, in turn, leaves them without a trusted adult in their lives to help them navigate the complexities of transitioning to adulthood.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. You do not magically become an adult at age 18. I personally have had the intervention of adults in my life that helped me navigate my way into college, helped me find housing before there ever was a Chafee bill. And so this is needed. You know, your eighteenth birthday is a celebration for most people, but there's no magic wand that makes you an adult.
It really does take the guidance and mentorship of a trusted adult, which many of us had from our parents. But many of these youth do not have this luxury. They've been alienated from their families, but they deserve our support. And that's why along with Mister Carey, we've introduced the CONNECT Act, which would amend the statutory purposes of the Chafee program to establish helping youth create meaningful connections with adults and build a lifelong support network, as a purpose of the Chafee program. I still have a relationship with the couple that intervened in my life when I was 18.
And I just had a birthday. I'm 75. It clarifies that shafety funds can be used to help youth be partners in their permanency process and to facilitate and support peer support, mentoring, family reunification, kinship families, and adoptive families. This bill also requires the secretary of HHS to issue guidance regarding the implementation of the new statutory purpose of the program, including facilitation of peer mentoring, outreach, and referrals to appropriate programs and services, and protocols for targeted support. Data doesn't lie.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, having at least one safe, stable, and nurturing relationship with a supportive adult dramatically reduces the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences, an example of which is being removed from your home and placed in foster care. Children with stable, nurturing relationships with trusted adults are better able to regulate their emotions, form other stable relationships, and are far more likely to experience better academic and health outcomes. We owe it to these youths to help them take control of their own destiny, and we can start by helping them build the network they need to do so. I sure hope that my colleagues will join me and Mr. Carey in supporting this legislation, and I yield back.
Speaker 1
Thank you. The committee will now proceed to consideration of H.R. 7995, the CONNECT Act. Without objection, the measure will be considered as read and open for amendment at any point. At this time, I offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute, which was distributed in advance, along with the green sheet explaining it. Without objection, the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read, open for amendment at any point, and considered the base text for purpose of amendment.
I will now turn to Cheryl Freeman, work and welfare subcommittee staff director, to provide a technical description of the amendment and the nature of a substitute, with an emphasis on the changes made since introduction. I ask that members hold their questions until after her presentation.
Speaker 6
Thank you, Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Neil. HR 7995, the Chafee Opportunities for New Networks and Existing Connection Trust Act, modifies title 4e of the Social Security Act at section 477 as it relates to the Chafee program to add two new purposes. The first provides that Chafee is intended to help foster youth develop and maintain supportive relationships with adults, with the goal of reducing isolation and ensuring youth build lifelong connections. The second provides that Chafee is intended to support a foster youth in developing their permanency plan, and to ensure foster youth receive written information about available services such as mentoring and peer support. As reflected on the green sheet, the chairman's amendment and the nature of a substitute modifies HR 7995 on page three, line 14, by striking the comma after child welfare agencies.
These changes are consistent with the intent of the provisions to correct references and make conforming changes. Mister chairman, that completes my walk-through. I'm happy to answer technical questions.
Speaker 1
Thank you. Are there any technical questions about the amendment and the nature of the substitute? Seeing none, we will move to strike the last word. Does any member wish to strike the last word? Mister Kelly?
Mr. Davis.
Speaker 9
Mister chairman, and thank you, Mister Neil, for this important markup. Mister chairman, I wanna join my colleagues in supporting HR 7995, the CONNECT Act. This bipartisan measure by Congresswoman Moore and Congressman Carey recognizes the importance of assisting older foster youth in building meaningful, long-lasting, and supportive relationships that will help anchor them in their journey to adulthood. The bill also updates the Chafee program purposes to clarify that funds can embrace youth as partners in their own journey toward permanency. I quote "nothing about me without me," as I've been told.
Although support for older foster youth often focuses on tangible resources such as housing, education, nutrition assistance, and Medicaid, we frequently overlook the critical need for consequential lasting relationships. This bill marks a vital shift from focusing on the tangible to also prioritizing the cultivation and preservation of supportive networks and connections as essential supports for transition-age youth. Such relationships anchor us during hard times and lift us up when we need them. Although these youth may have some strong relationships, by strengthening and deepening these enduring relationships, this bill ensures that foster youth have the sustained support needed to thrive and succeed throughout life. This bill lifts the recommendations of those who have lived experience.
Foster youth are leading the effort in states like Kansas and the District of Columbia to enact policies like the Soul family to expand beyond the traditional adoption or guardianship framework, to create legally binding networks of support. An amazing former intern of mine, Shai Robinson, focused her CCAI policy recommendations on finding ways to advance a youth-centered permanency approach that these connections foster resilience, promote emotional stability, and increase the likelihood of educational attainment and employment. And I might mention, mister chairman, that Shai's in the house with us today, and actually now works for my dear friend, mister Evans. Last congress, we enacted similar legislation that I led with chairman Le Hood during our reorganization of title four B that promoted the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships between foster youth and their incarcerated parents. So I'm pleased to see this committee once again recognize how impactful healthy relationships and relationship building is for these young people as they navigate the complexities of life.
Something as small as having someone to call when times get rough, or a mentor to accompany you on your first day on a college campus, can make all the difference in the lives of these older foster youth. So I thank my colleagues, representatives Gwen Moore and Mike Carey. And, again, I thank you, Mister Chairman, and Ranking Member Neil, for all of the support that you've given to this work and to this markup today. I thank you, and you’re back the balance of my time.
Speaker 24
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And to the ranking member, this bill underscores something that we all know. Young people, foster youth, do better when they have consistent, caring adults in their lives. Mentors, teachers, coaches, those relationships matter. So I support the underlying bill because it helps strengthen these connections, and it helps build the kind of lifelong support that every young person deserves.
And today, we're reminded of that. I'm pleased to have 45 students from the Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain, all the way from Las Vegas, here in our nation's capital, and they're joined by their teachers and chaperones, showing just how powerful those connections can be. So welcome to Washington DC, Alexander Dawson, and thank you for joining us for this important hearing. I yield back.
Speaker 23
Mister chairman, thank you. I appreciate all your work, but I also appreciate the ranking member. But I wanna also acknowledge the work and welfare subcommittee chairman Mister LaHood and ranking member Davis, both from Illinois, for bringing not just this bill, but all the bipartisan safety reform bills before this committee today. I also finally wanna thank my partner on this bill and the champion of foster youth, Congresswoman Gwen Moore. I hope that all my colleagues, Republican and Democrat, will join Congresswoman Moore and me in support of this compassionate legislation.
Mister chairman, with that, I yield back.
Speaker 1
Thank you. Does any additional member wish to strike the last word? Seeing none, we will move to the amendments. Are there any amendments to the amendment in the nature of a substitute? With no amendments, the question is on the adoption of the amendment in the nature of a substitute.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed, say no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, and the amendment in the nature of a substitute is agreed to. I will now recognize Mr. Buchanan for the purpose of offering a motion.
Speaker 11
Mister chairman, I move the committee favorably reports H.R. 7995 as amended to the House of Representatives.
Speaker 1
The question is on the motion to favorably report H.R. 7995 as amended to the House of Representatives. The clerk will call the roll.
Speaker 12
Mister Buchanan? Yes. Miss Buchanan? Yes. Mister Smith of Nebraska?
Mister Kelly? Mister Kelly? Yes. Mister Schweiker? Mister Schweiker?
Yes. Mister Lehud. Mister Lehud. Yes. Mr. Arrington.
Mister Estes. Mister Estes. Yes. Mr. Smucker. Mister Hearne?
Mister Hearne? Yes. Mrs. Miller? Missus Miller? Yes.
Doctor Murphy? Doctor Murphy? Yes. Mister Kustoff. Mister Kustoff, yes.
Mr Fitzpatrick. Mister Fitzpatrick, yes. Mister Stubby. Mister Stubby, yes. Miss Tenny.
Miss Tennie? Yes. Missus Fishbock? Yes. Missus Fishbock?
Yes. Mr. Moore? Mister Moore? Yes. Miss Van Dyne?
Miss Van Dyne? Yes. Mister Finstra? Mister Feenstra, yes. Miss Malia Takis?
Yes. Miss Malia Takis? Yes. Mister Carey? Yes.
Carey? Yes. Mister Yackam? Mister Yackam? Yes.
Mister Miller? Yes. Mister Miller? Yes. Mr Bean?
Yes. Mr Bean? Yes. Mister Moran? Yes.
Mister Moran? Yes. Mr Neil? Yes. Neil?
Yes. Mr Doggett? Mister Thompson? Mister Thompson? Yes.
Mister Larson? Yes. Mister Larson? Yes. Mr. Davis?
Yes. Mr. Davis? Yes. Miss Sanchez? Miss Sanchez, yes.
Miss Sul? Miss Delbene? Miss Delbene? Yes. Miss Chiu?
Miss Chiu? Yes. Miss Moore? Miss Moore, yes. Mister Boyle?
Yes. Mister Boyle? Yes. Mister Beyer? Yes.
Mister Beyer? Yes. Mister Evans? Yes. Mister Evans?
Yes. Mister Schneider? Mister Schneider? Yes. Mister Panetta?
Mister Panetta? Yes. Mister Gomez? Mister Gomez? Yes.
Mr. Horseford? Mr. Horseford? Yes. Miss Plaskett? Mister Swazi?
Mister Smith in Nebraska? Mister Smith of Nebraska, yes. Mister Arrington, Mister Smucker, Mister Doggett. Miss Sewell. Miss Plaskett.
Mister Swazi. Mister Swazi. Yes. Chairman Smith? Yes.
Chairman Smith? Yes.
Speaker 1
There being 40 yeses and zero noes, the motion is agreed to. And HR 79 95 is amended as ordered, favorably reported to the house. Without objection, I ask that staff be authorized to make technical and conforming changes to HR 7995, and that members have two additional days to file with the committee clerk supplemental additional dissenting or minority views. There being no further business before this committee. The committee stands adjourned.
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