Congressman praises Chris Barnett's 'Walk Across Iowa'
Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today congratulated Chris Barnett of Dubuque on successfully completing his 'Walk Across Iowa' to raise awareness of the need for foster families in the state of Iowa. Braley submitted official remarks into the Congressional Record in commendation of Barnett.
"All Iowa children deserve to grow up in loving homes, and I'm proud of Chris for taking on mother nature, blisters, and 875 miles to spread this important message across Iowa," Braley said. "It's truly inspiring to see the lengths Chris is willing to go to increase awareness of this issue and inspire Iowans to provide loving foster homes to children, and I sincerely congratulate him on this extraordinary accomplishment."
Barnett, a former foster child himself, began his walk on Saturday, May 3rd in Dubuque, walked to Davenport, and then across the state to Council Bluffs and back to Dubuque in hopes of inspiring Iowans to become foster families. He completed his journey on May 31. Chris and his wife have fostered more than 30 children since they first became foster parents in 2003.
A copy of Braley's entry into the Congressional Record is available online HERE.
Braley has been a consistent advocate for Iowa foster and adoptive families. Last October, Braley introduced the Children in Families First Act which helps streamline the adoption process by removing unnecessary bureaucratic barriers to international adoptions.
In 2012, Braley introduced the Making Adoption Affordable Act to make the adoption tax credit permanent. The Braley effort was successful, and now the adoption tax credit is permanent law.
This year Braley has been advocating for a Dubuque family as they battle the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the rights to their legally adopted children.
# # #
