Concerning the suspension of exit permit issuance by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for adopted Congolese children seeking to depart the country with their adoptive parents.

Bill: 113-hres-588
Sponsor: Rep. Peterson, Collin C. [D-MN-7]
Introduced: 2014-05-19 in the House
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Adoption and foster care
Africa
Child health
Child safety and welfare
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Human rights
Visas and passports

Summary:
action_date: 2014-05-19
text: 
Affirms that all children deserve a safe, loving, and permanent family.
 
 Recognizes the importance of ensuring that international adoptions of all children are conducted in an ethical and transparent manner.
 
 Expresses concern over the impact on children and families caused by the suspension of exit permit issuance within the Democratic Republic of Congo.
 
 Requests that the Congolese government resume processing adoption cases and issuing exit permits, prioritize the processing of intercountry adoptions which were initiated before the suspension, and expedite the adoption processing of medically fragile children.
 
 Encourages continued cooperation between the Department of State and the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to improve the intercountry adoption process and ensure the welfare of all children adopted from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

action_date: 2014-07-08
text: 
Affirms that all children deserve a safe, loving, and permanent family. 
 
Recognizes the importance of ensuring that international adoptions of all children are conducted in an ethical and transparent manner. 
 
Expresses concern over the increasing number of new adoption cases that have been opened and the impact on children and families of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's suspension of exit permits.
 
Requests that the Congolese government: (1) resume issuing exit permits for all children that have been adopted and continue processing adoptions that are already underway, and (2) expedite the processing of adoptions involving medically fragile children.
 
 Encourages continued cooperation between the Department of State and the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to improve the intercountry adoption process and ensure the welfare of all children adopted from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-07-08
text: The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2014-07-08
text: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5839)
action_date: 2014-07-08
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H5839)
action_date: 2014-07-08
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 588.
action_date: 2014-07-08
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5839-5842)
action_date: 2014-07-08
text: Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
action_date: 2014-06-26
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2014-06-26
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2014-06-18
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Unanimous Consent .
action_date: 2014-06-18
text: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2014-06-10
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations.
action_date: 2014-05-19
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2014-05-19
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2014-05-19
text: Introduced in House