Chu Opening Statement at Markup of H.R. 7906 & H.R. 9076

(As prepared for delivery)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Before I begin, I want to take a moment to acknowledge that today marks the 235th Anniversary of the Ways and Means Committee’s founding. Although much has changed in this country throughout the past 235 years, this Committee has continued to fulfill our legislative mandate and to do the hard work of serving the American people.

Today, we are doing the work of the people as it’s intended to be done: after careful consideration over many months, negotiating in good faith from the beginning, and with the best interests of the people front and center. That’s how legislating is supposed to happen. But once this passes out of our Committee today, it cannot join the growing legislative graveyard that our colleagues have allowed to amass.

The children of our nation are depending on us, and I’m calling for swift action to get these bills into law. Helping families and children thrive is a goal that transcends political party, and we know that sometimes it’s the helping hand that makes all the difference.

Late last month, we heard firsthand about how to better safeguard our nation’s youth and strengthen their familial ties. Those lived experiences are critical to putting forward comprehensive policy solutions.

The first bill under consideration today, H.R. 7906, would amend Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code to bring parity to tribal and state child support services agencies and ensure that these agencies are able to continue their work collecting child support obligations. I thank Representatives Gwen Moore and DelBene, as well as Representative Hern, for their leadership on this bill. As a cosponsor of this bill, I know that child support services agencies around the country—including in my region of Los Angeles County—are counting on us to get this passed into law quickly so they can continue their vital work.

The second bill under consideration, H.R. 9076, would reauthorize Title IV-B of the Social Security Act for the next five years, provide additional funding, and make much-needed updates to these programs that are so critical to supporting children and families. This bill is a major step forward and is only possible thanks to the deep collaboration of so many of our members.

Our Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Ranking Member, Danny Davis, has worked with his counterpart, Chairman LaHood, to lead legislation to deepen the relationships between foster children and their incarcerated parents, because we know how important strong parent-child relationships are to future success.

Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member, John Larson, has introduced legislation with Representative Carey to expand the use of child welfare funds for Family Resource Centers.

Representatives Kildee and Feenstra are expanding the availability of evidence-based interventions to keep children out of foster care, which is complemented by legislation led by Representatives Gwen Moore and Adrian Smith to ensure state child welfare agencies are guided by the voices of those with lived experience. Centering our work around those most affected is so critical, and how we create the most meaningful policy.

Representative Gwen Moore also worked with Chairman Smith on legislation to prevent separation when families find themselves in crisis from poverty.

Representatives Panetta and Steube teamed up to better understand what’s happening at youth residential programs and safeguard vulnerable children from abuse.

Representatives Evans, DelBene, and Bacon worked together to make sure states are effectively using peer mentoring to support and reunify families.

Finally, I’ve worked with Representatives Bacon and Hern to lead several pieces of legislation to help Tribes strengthen their child welfare programs and protect Native children. I’m also proud to have worked with Representative Blake Moore to invest in the Court Improvement Program, allowing family courts to better work with the foster care system and continue their important work securing strong outcomes for children and families. And, I partnered with Representative Miller to connect families to community resources.

Our commitment to our nation’s children is steadfast because we know that investing in their well-being and success is also an investment in our country and its future.

With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

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