SRES-736-116
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S5998; text: CR S5985)
Sponsored by Ron Wyden (D-OR)
What it does
This resolution designates September 2020 as "National Kinship Care Month." It encourages Congress, state and local governments, and community organizations to continue working to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families. It also formally honors kinship caregivers — grandparents, other relatives, and close family friends who raise children when parents are unable to do so.
Who benefits
Kinship caregivers (grandparents, relatives, and fictive kin) who receive symbolic national recognition. The approximately 2.7 million children living in kinship care arrangements, including over 133,000 in formal kinship foster care. Advocacy organizations focused on kinship care and grandfamilies, who may use the designation to raise public awareness and support fundraising or outreach efforts. Child welfare agencies that rely on kinship placements may benefit from increased public attention to the issue.
Who is hurt
This resolution has no direct regulatory, financial, or legal effect on any group. No identifiable group is materially harmed. Congressional floor time and staff resources are consumed, though the cost is negligible.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that the resolution shines a needed spotlight on 2.7 million children — many affected by the opioid crisis or COVID-19 — who depend on relatives and family friends stepping in as caregivers, often without adequate support or recognition. They contend that formal congressional recognition can elevate public awareness, encourage community support, and signal to state and local governments that kinship care is a national priority worthy of sustained attention and resources.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that symbolic resolutions consume limited legislative time without producing any enforceable policy change, funding, or structural support for the 2.7 million children and their caregivers the resolution acknowledges. They contend that the same bipartisan energy behind this resolution would be better directed toward expanding the kinship navigator programs and financial supports already authorized under the Family First Prevention Services Act, rather than issuing a non-binding designation.
Constitutional context
No significant constitutional issues are raised by this resolution. Commemorative designations are a well-established, non-binding exercise of congressional expression and do not implicate enumerated powers, equal protection, or any other contested constitutional provision.
Checks and balances
The Senate exercises its expressive function; the resolution creates no new executive authority, no regulatory obligation, and no enforceable legal duty on any branch or party.
Historical precedent
Congress regularly passes commemorative month designations for child welfare causes; for example, May has been designated National Foster Care Month through similar Senate resolutions in prior Congresses.