Recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Runaway Prevention Month.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Today I rise in support of House Resolution 1687, expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of National Runaway Prevention Month.

Studies suggest that nearly 3 million children are living on the street each year. Many of these individuals, who come from every socioeconomic background, have been kicked out of their homes, separated from their parents, or physically abused. Worse, these at- risk youth often find it increasingly difficult or even impossible to acquire the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to develop into safe, healthy and productive adults. That's why it is so important that we pass this resolution today, to raise awareness of the plight of runaway youth and increase public understanding of the role individual Americans can play in helping to prevent youth from running away from home.

As cochair of the Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus, I have worked with my colleagues to help address many of the issues that face runaways and their families. The caucus has done some great work, and I would like to extend to all of my colleagues in the House an invitation to join us in exploring ways to improve the well-being of distressed youth and reduce the incidence of runaways.

In addition, I would like to commend the work done by organizations such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the National Runaway Switchboard as well as similar organizations across the country that help ensure runaways and homeless kids in our communities aren't deprived of a chance at a future. In my home State of Illinois alone, almost 7,500 calls were placed to the National Runaway Switchboard last year, and nationally the organization fielded over 117,000 calls. For more than two decades, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has worked

with communities to coordinate strategies to reunite children with their families.

With so many children living on the street and the risk that runaway youth pose to themselves and their communities, it is clear that much work still remains. But by highlighting the problem and expressing support for the valuable work done by communities and youth organizations, we can make significant progress towards preventing instances of children running away from home and create an environment in which our Nation's at-risk youth have access to the building blocks for a lifetime of success.

With that, I would like to encourage all my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1687) supporting the goals and ideals of National Runaway Prevention Month.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

I now yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to present House Resolution 1687 for consideration. This resolution recognizes the importance of youth runaway prevention and at-risk youth programs. House Resolution 1687 was introduced by our colleague, Representative Judy Biggert of Illinois, on September 29, 2010. Notably, this measure enjoys the support of 55 cosponsors.

Madam Speaker, according to the National Runaway Switchboard, between 1.6 million and 2.8 million youth run away from home every year. Notably, the National Runaway Switchboard reports that among those youth at greatest risk of running away and facing homelessness are those that have been expelled from home, those that have suffered domestic abuse, and those that have been discharged by State custodial systems without the benefit of adequate transitional planning. Additionally, youth that have been separated from their parents by death or divorce, live in poverty, and/or are unable to access adequate medical or mental health resources are similarly at risk of running away and becoming homeless.

Madam Speaker, in light of the prevalence of the problem of runaway youth as well as youth homelessness, let us take this opportunity to pass House Resolution 1687 and recognize the important role that youth runaway prevention and at-risk youth programs play in addressing these issues. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, again let me thank our colleague Mrs. Biggert of Illinois for introducing this important legislation and let me again urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.