HONORING LOUISIANA'S LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCING A HOME FOR EVERY CHILD

On 2026-07-09, Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING LOUISIANA'S LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCING A HOME FOR EVERY CHILD" in the House.

HONORING LOUISIANA'S LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCING A HOME FOR EVERY CHILD

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 112 (Thursday, July 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 112 (Thursday, July 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E655] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LOUISIANA'S LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCING A HOME FOR EVERY CHILD _____ HON. MIKE JOHNSON of louisiana in the house of representatives Thursday, July 9, 2026 Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize Louisiana, my home state, as one of the first states in the country to officially partner with the Administration for Children and Families in their worthy initiative, ``A Home for Every Child.'' According to Louisiana's Department of Children and Family Services' (LA DCFS) Secretary Rebecca Harris, Louisiana has a ratio of only 48 homes to every 100 foster children--an unsustainable gap that requires every effort to balance. We hear too many stories of good people who want to foster but are slowed or stopped in their certification process due to bureaucratic hurdles. Under the leadership of Governor Jeff Landry and Secretary Harris, Louisiana joined with the Administration for Children and Families (ACP) to cut red tape, increase the amount of foster care homes in our state, and ensure every foster child has a safe place to live. I am proud to say that LA DCFS has committed to certify 1,100 new foster homes and reactivate 200 foster homes by the end of this year to help fill the gap. Louisiana is committed to protecting vulnerable children and ensuring they have access to safe, stable, and supportive home environments. Louisiana's action builds upon the initiatives and leadership of President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, whose ``Fostering the Future'' Executive Order catalyzed a renewed national focus on foster care and permanent placement of children into loving homes. The Executive Order laid the groundwork for the ``A Home for Every Child'' program and has encouraged many states to take these necessary, meaningful, and measurable steps to improve outcomes for children and families. Too many children across the Nation continue to wait for placement in permanent homes. When family unification is not possible either temporarily or permanently, expanding the pool of qualified foster families and strengthening support systems is essential to ensuring that every child is under the love and care of a stable home. As ACF Assistant Secretary Alex Adams has stated as a vital mission, we too look forward to a day when families ready to foster are waiting for a child rather than a child waiting for a home. Louisiana's leadership joining ``A Home for Every Child'' sets a strong example for other states. Continued collaboration among federal, state, community and faith-based partners will be critical to advancing our shared goal of ensuring every child has a place to call home. ____________________