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Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) welcome the opportunity provided by the joint Request for Information (RFI) on the use and conservation of federal benefits for foster youth, as well as other ways federal agencies may play an appropriate role supporting broader Federal, State and local efforts to improve the outcomes of foster youth who receive federal benefits, published today by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Children’s Bureau, an office of the Administration for Children & Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

This week, Danny K. Davis (D-IL) celebrated the passage by the House of Representatives of his bipartisan legislation with Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) to reauthorize and reform child welfare programs under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act. The bipartisan Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act passed the House by a vote of 405 to 10 as part of H.R. 9076, Supporting America’s Children and Families Act, as amended”. The bill reauthorizes Title IV-B and delivers the first increase in guaranteed funding since 2006. With approximately 369,000 children currently in foster care, this legislation offers vital assistance to help strengthen and keep families together and support the safety and well-being of children in foster care.

Washington, D.C. – August 29, 2024, Representative Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support, released the following statement after the Health Resources and Services Administration announced more than $440 million for the FY 2024 Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Base and Matching Grant awards this week. “I celebrate the announcement this week by the Health Resources and Services Administration of more than $440 million for evidence-based home visiting programing to states and tribes – with over $11 million for Illinois,” Ways and Means Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Ranking Member Davis said. “Home visiting is a powerful, proven tool that helps young children and families thrive. For decades, I’ve made it a top policy priority to bring this life-transforming program to all who need it.  I am very proud that my bill - the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022 - expands home visiting to more families and communities.  Rep. Jackie Walorski and I worked hard on this legislation, which is also a tribute to her work and deep commitment to helping children and families.”

I have dedicated my Congressional career to improving the child welfare system, and I was delighted to participate in the Child Welfare Transformation Convening by the White House this week. The speakers highlighted the Biden-Harris accomplishments in strengthening families and ignited a commitment to innovation. Please read my comments below.