Date: 2010-06-15
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1389. "Recognizing the immeasurable contributions of fathers in the healthy development of children. supporting responsible fatherhood. and encouraging greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children. especially on Fathers Day." This resolution commends the millions of fathers who serve as wonderful. caring parents for their children. It simultaneously calls on fathers across the United States (1) reconnect and rededicate themselves to their childrens lives. and (2) express their love and support for their children. not only on Fathers Day. but everyday. Fathers all over the United States are involved in their childrens lives in multitude ways that go beyond the traditional roles of economic provider. Fathers are also involved by having direct contact with their children. engagement. making themselves available to their children even when they are not in physical contact. accessibility. and taking responsibility for their childrens care and welfare. again regardless of physical proximity. responsibility. For this reason and many others. I salute the millions of fathers who have embraced the attributes of fatherhood. However. this piece of legislation also recognizes the need for fathers to take there place in their childrens lives and become more involved. The statistics on children without an active father in their lives are alarming: 63 percent of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (U.S. Department Of Health/Census)-5 times the average 90 percent of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes32 times the average 85 percent of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes20 times the average. (Center for Disease Control) 80 percent of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes14 times the average. (Justice & Behavior. Vol 14. p. 40326) 71 percent of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes9 times the average. (National Principals Association Report) 75 percent of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes10 times the average. (Rainbows for All Gods Children) 70 percent of youths in Stateoperated institutions come from fatherless homes9 times the average. (U.S. Department of Justice. Sept. 1988) 85 percent of all youths in prison come from fatherless homes20 times the average. (Fulton Co. Georgia. Texas Department of Correction) Clearly. fathers represent a lot more than just a paycheck to a child. they represent safety. protection. guidance. friendship. and someone to look up to. This resolution urges men to understand the level of responsibility fathering a child requires. especially in the encouragement of the mental. moral. social. academic. emotional. physical. and spiritual development of children. In conclusion. not only is this issue imperative to the development of the future of Americas youth. but also to the prosperity of the country as a whole. I am diligently seeking ways to bring families back together and this resolution can be the catalyze to promote such unity. by promoting fathers who already exemplify these qualities. I must pay tribute to my own father Ezra C. Jackson. I thank him for being a father to my brother Michael and me. For also being a grandfather to our children. He was Godfearing. funny and a great mentor to young men who were not his children. Thank you Dad for being in my life. although you are no longer with usyour guidance will always be appreciated.