H.Res. 487

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 487 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 487

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that fatherhood is 
essential to the development of all children, and that the increased 
involvement of fathers in the home will lead to economic prosperity, 
educational excellence, and improved social mobility for children 
across all racial and ethnic groups.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 6, 2025

Mr. Owens (for himself and Mr. Donalds) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and 
Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Ways 
and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, 
in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the 
jurisdiction of the committee concerned

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RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that fatherhood is 
essential to the development of all children, and that the increased 
involvement of fathers in the home will lead to economic prosperity, 
educational excellence, and improved social mobility for children 
across all racial and ethnic groups.

Whereas fathers play an important role in providing nurture and support for 
children, enabling them to learn, develop, and reach their full 
potential;
Whereas fatherlessness and the lack of important role models in the lives of 
children today are a root cause of the violence and unrest we are 
witnessing in our Nation;
Whereas, despite some successful legislation and the creation of fatherhood 
initiatives, fatherless homes are still prevalent;
Whereas research shows children do best when raised by two parents in a 
committed and long-term marriage;
Whereas, according to the United States Census Bureau, 18,400,000 children in 
the United States live without a father in the home;
Whereas data supports the hypothesis that having strong male role models in the 
home helps prevent suicide, behavioral disorders, juvenile detention, 
substance abuse, aggression, violence, and teen pregnancy;
Whereas fathers play an important role in teaching important life skills, 
providing guidance through challenges, and helping children persevere 
through adversity; and
Whereas by promoting fatherhood with amended policies that incentivize two-
parent households and increasing evidence-based practices, the number of 
fatherless homes will decrease across all communities: Now, therefore, 
be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) affirms the importance of fatherhood in caring for, 
nurturing, and supporting children throughout their lives;
(2) supports the efforts of public officials, community 
leaders, faith leaders, and all citizens to promote and 
encourage engaged fatherhood;
(3) recognizes the impact that fatherlessness has had on 
American children, including in the Black community, in 
creating obstacles for children to learn, grow, develop, and 
live fulfilling and rewarding lives;
(4) recognizes the impact the criminal justice system and 
incarceration have had in creating single-parent homes;
(5) recognizes misaligned incentives in the structure of 
Federal welfare programs and the barriers they create in 
allowing fathers to return home to their spouse and children;
(6) supports programs and initiatives to provide 
incarcerated individuals with the tools and skills to seek 
meaningful employment opportunities upon release from 
detention;
(7) reaffirms support for efforts to encourage educational 
opportunities and economic development in minority communities, 
such as historically Black colleges and universities, the First 
Step Act, and Opportunity Zones;
(8) commits to researching and understanding the root 
causes of fatherlessness, and crafting public policy that 
supports and encourages fully engaged fatherhood;
(9) should address the difficulties of child custody as it 
relates to alimony and child support;
(10) should explore tax incentives and programs to 
incentivize American dads as foster parents and in mentoring 
programs; and
(11) should develop a national promotional effort to 
incentivize fatherhood.
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