SRES-914-118
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6734; text: CR S6730)
Sponsored by Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
What it does
This resolution expresses the Senate's support for the goals of National Adoption Day (the Saturday before Thanksgiving) and National Adoption Month (November). It recognizes that approximately 108,000 children in U.S. foster care are waiting to be adopted and encourages Americans to consider adoption. It does not create any new law, program, or funding — it is a purely symbolic, non-binding statement of Senate sentiment.
Who benefits
Children currently in foster care awaiting adoption, particularly the approximately 108,000 eligible for adoption. Adoptive and prospective adoptive families who receive public recognition. Adoption advocacy organizations that gain visibility. Foster care agencies that may see increased public interest in adoption. Children at risk of "aging out" of foster care without a permanent family.
Who is hurt
No group is directly harmed by this resolution. Because it is non-binding and creates no legal obligations or spending, there are no direct cost-bearers. Some critics of the foster care or adoption system may argue that symbolic resolutions without accompanying policy or funding changes do not address systemic barriers to adoption.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that public awareness is a meaningful barrier to adoption — the resolution itself notes that a majority of Americans hold misperceptions about the foster care adoption process, even though 1 in 3 adults have considered adoption. They contend that national recognition efforts like this have already produced tangible results: since the first National Adoption Day in 2000, more than 85,000 children have joined permanent families on that single day each year, demonstrating that awareness campaigns can translate into real outcomes for children.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that a non-binding resolution does nothing to address the structural obstacles — funding shortfalls, bureaucratic complexity, and lengthy wait times averaging nearly 35 months — that prevent more adoptions from occurring. They contend that passing symbolic legislation without accompanying appropriations or policy changes allows Congress to signal concern without committing resources, and that the 18,500 children who aged out of foster care in 2022 alone represent a failure that awareness campaigns alone cannot fix.
Constitutional context
No significant constitutional issues are raised by this resolution. It is a non-binding expression of Senate sentiment and does not invoke any enumerated power, create enforceable rights, or regulate conduct.
Checks and balances
No branch gains or loses power under this resolution; it is a purely symbolic, non-binding statement that creates no legal authority, obligation, or enforcement mechanism.
Historical precedent
The Senate has passed similar resolutions supporting National Adoption Month in prior Congresses, making this a recurring commemorative action rather than a novel legislative step.