Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands), a father of two adopted sons, heralded the passage of the Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act today by the House of Representatives.  This legislation, co-sponsored by Congressman Brady, would make permanent the 2001 increase in adoption tax credit from $5,000 to $10,000, which is set to expire in 2010.  The bill passed unanimously. 

 

“As the father of two adopted boys, I know firsthand the joys of adoption.  The legal costs however, can be very expensive and almost out of reach for many couples who want to provide loving homes for children.

 

“The federal government should be doing everything in its power to encourage, not discourage families to adopt children.  This bill will do exactly that by helping families defray the high costs of adoption,” said Brady.

 

Many parents want to open their hearts to a child through adoption, but cannot afford the huge expense. Licensed private adoption agencies charge fees ranging anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000.  Independent adoptions can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $40,000.  This legislation will keep adoption affordable and help build strong, loving families.

 

As of September 30, 2002, 532,000 children were in publicly funded foster care waiting to be adopted (even more were in the private system).