Fatherhood Resolution Approved by House

On June 14, the House approved, by voice vote, a resolution (H. Res. 66) encouraging the greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children.

Sponsored by Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK), the resolution contains a number of findings, including:

• Approximately 50 percent of all children born in the United States spend at least half of their childhood in families with no father figure;
• Children who do not live with their biological fathers are five times more likely than other children to live in poverty, and are more likely to bring weapons and drugs into the classroom, commit suicide, abuse alcohol, or become pregnant as teenagers;
• Children who live with their biological fathers tend to do better in school, are less prone to depression, and have more successful relationships;
• Boys and girls alike demonstrate greater self-control and the ability to take initiative when fathers are actively involved in their upbringing; and
• The promotion of responsible fatherhood should not denigrate the parenting efforts of single mothers, whose efforts are heroic; lessen the protection of children from abusive parents; cause women to remain in abusive relationships; or compromise the health or safety of a custodial parent.

Explaining that a father “makes a unique contribution in the lives of his children,” Rep. Tom Osborne (R-NE) stated, “It takes both a father and a mother living in a committed relationship to develop stable children and a strong culture. Some have denigrated the institution of marriage and said fathers really are somewhat irrelevant, and obviously the facts belie that. Fathers are critical, as are mothers, to a strong society.”

Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) agreed. “I am happy to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to honor the many, many wonderful fathers who have given children their time, knowledge and strength, and most of all their love; and I would like to take this opportunity to also thank and show great gratitude for the grandfathers who have in many of our lives, mine in particular, played a tremendous role and in many instances step in for the father who is not there.”