Exclusive | GOP lawmakers push bill touting dads for Fathers Day and calling out crisis of 1 and 4 kids growing up without one
Two Republican reps unveiled a resolution in time for Father’s Day aimed at drawing attention to the millions of kids growing up without fathers — roughly one in four US children — and underscoring the important roles that dads play in American society.Reps.Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Burgess Owens (R-Utah) introduced the resolution in the House earlier this month and urged policymakers to back solutions that encourage fatherhood.
“I’m blessed with six children and 17 grandchildren — they are the heartbeat of everything I do,” Owens, 73, explained about the resolution.“We know that when fathers are engaged, children thrive, succeed in school, stay out of trouble and build brighter futures.“This Father’s Day, I’m proud to reintroduce this resolution to recognize the power and purpose of fatherhood, and to send a clear message: America is stronger when families are strong, fathers are present, and parents are empowered.”The resolution, HR 487, which hasn’t received a vote yet, declares that “fatherhood is essential to the development of all children.”About 18.4 million children — roughly a quarter of American kids — live without any father in the home — including a biological, step or adoptive dad, according to US Census Bureau data.Roughly 80% of single-parent households are run by single moms, one study from 2022 found.“A father’s impact is truly incalculable,” Donalds, who is running for Florida governor, said in a statement.
“It is fundamental for growth and development throughout a child’s life.Fathers are providers, protectors, teachers, mentors, role models, and so much more.” “Too many children across our country have been robbed of this lasting influence and we must do everything we can to end the tragic cycle of fatherlessness in America.
I’m proud to partner with Congressman Owens to express the importance of this timeless institution.”The resolution is also being championed by former Minnesota Viking...