Recognizing the immeasurable contributions of fathers in the healthy development of children, supporting responsible fatherhood, and encouraging greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children, especially on Father's Day.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 428) recognizing the immeasurable contributions of fathers in the healthy development of children, supporting responsible fatherhood, and encouraging greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children, especially on Father's Day.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 428 into the Record.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 428, which recognizes the immeasurable contributions fathers make in the healthy development of children. On June 21, our Nation will celebrate Father's Day. Many times fathers know just what to say at the most delicate times in our lives. They encourage their children to do their best and show them their dreams are possible. Fortunately, involved fathers can help prepare children to succeed in school, enhance children's emotional development, and reduce childhood poverty. By playing a significant role in the lives of children, active fathers provide additional support for children to succeed.

Fathers create great memories with their children. By going to ball games, ballet recitals, school events, and other similar activities, fathers can generate lasting memories for their kids. Fathers, as role models and mentors, help youth reach their potential.

Unfortunately, many children grow up without fathers. Actually, 25 million children, one out of three, grow up in homes in which their biological fathers do not live. These children are significantly more likely to live in poverty, drop out of school, and engage in risky behavior.

It's imperative that our Nation support parents in their efforts to raise their children. Parenting is an essential part of a child's development, and both mothers and fathers should be best equipped to raise their children.

Today, home visiting programs are great ways to inform parents about the resources they have available. These programs work closely with parents to help fathers and mothers support their children's development.

H. Res. 428 commends the millions of fathers who serve as a wonderful, caring parent for their children. As Father's Day approaches on June 21, this legislation asks fathers to take time out to reconnect with their children. Father's Day can be used to express love and support for their children.

I also want to note that my wife, Andrea, and my daughter, Patricia, are here in the House gallery today. My son, Jesse, will be here soon as well. Celebrating Father's Day with the three of them here in Washington will make the holiday especially meaningful for me this year, and I am grateful to have this time to spend with my children.

Let us celebrate Father's Day and recognize our Nation's great fathers who, every day, are making important contributions in the lives of their children.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I express my support of House Resolution 428, wish fathers across this country a very happy Father's Day, and acknowledge the importance of fathers in the United States.

I want to thank Representative McIntyre for bringing this resolution forward.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, does the gentlewoman from Washington have any further speakers?

No, I do not.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would just like to commend the gentlewoman from Washington for such eloquent statements about fathers, which brings back this close memory of my father, who is 8,000 miles away at this time. I will call him up after this, later on today.

I have no further speakers. I do encourage everyone to please support H. Res. 428.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 428. This statement is of great importance because it recognizes the true commitment of fatherhood. House Resolution 428 commends the millions of fathers who embrace their parental responsibilities by providing love and support to their children. Raising children is by no means an easy task, but those who have dedicated their lives to provide for their offspring play a vital role in their development. Fathers are teachers and protectors who impart life lessons in preparation for the future. This is a very important, timely bill, and I commend Representative Mike McIntyre for bringing this resolution before the House.

House Resolution 428 recognizes the impact fathers have on their children. We must encourage responsible fatherhood because it can reduce the amount of impoverished children, many with one parent who are unable to afford the resources necessary to raise a family. Children who are fortunate enough to have an involved father have a greater chance of excelling in school and have less of a chance of exhibiting behavioral problems. The influence of a father promotes healthy development of a child in every aspect. Children are so easily influenced and proper guidance utilizing both parents can spur growth and future accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to add my voice and support in recognition of our nation's fathers. We must use this opportunity to praise accountable fathers because they provide strength to their families and communities. I will work diligently with my colleagues to acknowledge their commitment and continue to encourage men who are not as engaged in the lives of their children to start fresh on Father's Day to become positive and strong influences in their child's development.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 428, a resolution that recognizes the immeasurable contributions of fathers in the healthy development of children, supports responsible fatherhood, and encourages greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children, especially on Father's Day.

Six days from now, our nation will celebrate the special place that fathers have in our country.

From helping with homework to playing ball to reading a book to offering advice and support and to just listening, each and every day fathers of all ages contribute to the mental, moral, and spiritual development of children, teenagers, and adults.

According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have a healthy self esteem, exhibit empathy and good behavior, and avoid high risk activity such as drug use and criminal activity.

H. Res. 428 recognizes the commitment of fathers, and the wonderful work that both parents do on behalf of their kids, and I encourage my colleagues to join with us as we all re-commit ourselves to being the best father we can to children everywhere.

And in conclusion, I would like to publicly thank my father for the great example he has been to me and for the dedication and support he has shown in my every endeavor.

It is because of his support and love that I have been a devoted son to my father who taught me so much, as well as finding great joy in being a committed father of two.