{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-senate-floor-1000-iowa-kids-foster-care-eligible-adoption", "Grassley on Senate Floor: 1,000 Iowa Kids in Foster Care Eligible for Adoption", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Statement by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Senate Caucus on Foster Youth National Adoption Month November 29, 2017 \u00a0 Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate November as National Adoption Month. \u00a0 During this month, we\u2019re reminded of the importance of adoption to so many families and children in Iowa, and across the country. \u00a0 As Americans are celebrating the season of Thanksgiving with family and friends, adoptive families are celebrating with their new families \u2013 giving thanks for the joy of adoption. \u00a0 Since the first recognition of National Adoption Day in 2000 nearly 65,000 kids have been adopted on National Adoption Day, celebrated the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year. \u00a0 In 2016 alone, over 4,700 adoptions were finalized on National Adoption Day. \u00a0 National Adoption Month is certainly a time to celebrate the joys of a new family. However, it is also a reminder of the obstacles that many children may face. \u00a0 Nationally, there are over 425,000 children in foster care. Over 100,000 of these children are hoping to be adopted. In Iowa, there are around 1,000 kids in foster care who are eligible for adoption. \u00a0 This year, the special focus of National Adoption Month is older youth waiting to be adopted.\u00a0 Teenagers unfortunately face more difficulty in being adopted than younger children.\u00a0 \u00a0 As co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth, I\u2019ve had the chance to hear directly from teenagers in foster care. \u00a0 They tell me that more than anything, they want a loving family. They tell me that they need a family, and that nobody is too old to be adopted. The support that parents provide to teens is critical to navigating the transition to adulthood. From making decisions about higher education, to finding a job or buying a car, a loving family continually provides the support that teens need to succeed. \u00a0 Congress must continue to work towards policy that helps make adoption a reality for more foster youth. \u00a0 We must work to ensure that all children, no matter their circumstances, have a permanent, loving home, and consistent, caring adults in their lives. \u00a0 I am glad that the Senate preserved the Adoption Tax Credit in the tax reform legislation and I am hopeful that Congress will continue to work on policy that promotes adoption, and improves the lives of those in foster care. \u00a0 As National Adoption Month comes to an end, I thank all those who work to improve the lives of children. \u00a0 I thank advocates for children who tirelessly work to make adoption possible, and I thank adoptive parents and families for opening their hearts and homes. \u00a0 -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-senate-floor-1000-iowa-kids-foster-care-eligible-adoption"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.4868099242448807, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}