HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE

On 2026-05-20, Representative Bill Huizenga (R-MI-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE" in the House.

HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)] [House] [Page H3632] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE (Mr. HUIZENGA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, roughly 16,000 young adults age out of the child welfare system annually, and far too many of them face significant challenges in reaching their full potential. Tragically, nearly 35 percent, a full third of these young adults, also experience homelessness by age 21. To address these challenges and to improve outcomes for children and young adults across America, this week the House passed H.R. 7432, the Fostering the Future Act. This bipartisan legislation equips young adults with the tools to succeed and the skills for in-demand jobs. By expanding education and training vouchers to include short-term workforce training and apprenticeships, we increase both opportunity and educational support for at-risk members of our society. Additionally, this bill better aligns Federal housing programs so that we can reduce homelessness among those exiting the foster care system. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to see the House take this bipartisan action for the first time in more than 25 years to help our young people build a brighter future. ____________________

Referenced legislation: HR7432, HR7432