June 6, 2025
Mr. Owens (for himself and Mr. Donalds) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that fatherhood is essential to the development of all children, and that the increased involvement of fathers in the home will lead to economic prosperity, educational excellence, and improved social mobility for children across all racial and ethnic groups.
Whereas fathers play an important role in providing nurture and support for children, enabling them to learn, develop, and reach their full potential;
Whereas fatherlessness and the lack of important role models in the lives of children today are a root cause of the violence and unrest we are witnessing in our Nation;
Whereas, despite some successful legislation and the creation of fatherhood initiatives, fatherless homes are still prevalent;
Whereas research shows children do best when raised by two parents in a committed and long-term marriage;
Whereas, according to the United States Census Bureau, 18,400,000 children in the United States live without a father in the home;
Whereas data supports the hypothesis that having strong male role models in the home helps prevent suicide, behavioral disorders, juvenile detention, substance abuse, aggression, violence, and teen pregnancy;
Whereas fathers play an important role in teaching important life skills, providing guidance through challenges, and helping children persevere through adversity; and
Whereas by promoting fatherhood with amended policies that incentivize two-parent households and increasing evidence-based practices, the number of fatherless homes will decrease across all communities: Now, therefore, be it
Sec.
That the House of Representatives—
(1)
affirms the importance of fatherhood in caring for, nurturing, and supporting children throughout their lives;
(2)
supports the efforts of public officials, community leaders, faith leaders, and all citizens to promote and encourage engaged fatherhood;
(3)
recognizes the impact that fatherlessness has had on American children, including in the Black community, in creating obstacles for children to learn, grow, develop, and live fulfilling and rewarding lives;
(4)
recognizes the impact the criminal justice system and incarceration have had in creating single-parent homes;
(5)
recognizes misaligned incentives in the structure of Federal welfare programs and the barriers they create in allowing fathers to return home to their spouse and children;
(6)
supports programs and initiatives to provide incarcerated individuals with the tools and skills to seek meaningful employment opportunities upon release from detention;
(7)
reaffirms support for efforts to encourage educational opportunities and economic development in minority communities, such as historically Black colleges and universities, the First Step Act, and Opportunity Zones;
(8)
commits to researching and understanding the root causes of fatherlessness, and crafting public policy that supports and encourages fully engaged fatherhood;
(9)
should address the difficulties of child custody as it relates to alimony and child support;
(10)
should explore tax incentives and programs to incentivize American dads as foster parents and in mentoring programs; and
(11)
should develop a national promotional effort to incentivize fatherhood.