Congressman pushes Secretary John Kerry after Hougen family nears final step in adoption process
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today continued his strong advocacy for those facing unfair delays in finalizing adoptions between the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Braley is writing Secretary of State John Kerry, after a Decorah couple submitted the final documents for visas for their two children, but remain prevented from uniting their family due to the DRC's continued moratorium on 'exit letters'?the final step in the adoption process.
"Linda and Ron Hougen have fought to provide their children with a loving home?and the fact that they're unable to unite their family is both heart-breaking and unfair," Braley said. "This needs to be a priority for the United States government and I plan to keep doing everything possible to shed light on the plight of these families."
Nearly one thousand families have had their adoptions suspended. Many of these families, like the Hougens, are near the end of the lengthy adoption process. However, the DRC has refused to issue exit letters, which is the final step allowing families to bring their children to the United States.
Recently, Braley along with a bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators sent a letter to the President urging him to bring up the issue of stalled adoptions with the Congolese Prime Minister.
In early July, Braley wrote a letter to Speaker John Boehner asking him to bring up H.Res 588?a resolution that the week before passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee?to the House floor for a vote. Days later the resolution was passed on the House floor.
Braley has previously met with Erin Peat and families from Clear Lake, Bettendorf, and West Des Moines who are facing delays with their adoptions.
Braley has previously urged action on this issue with the Congolese Prime Minister, the Congolese Ambassador to the United States, and Secretary of State John Kerry.
A copy of Braley's letter to Secretary of State John Kerry is available online HERE.
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