[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 8937] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]MOTHER'S DAY ______ HON. EARL POMEROY of north dakota in the house of representatives Thursday, May 6, 1999 Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, on May 9, America will celebrate Mother's Day. This second Sunday in May was set aside for us to thank our mothers for raising us, for giving us a sense of security and independence, and for offering us their unconditional love. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all mothers, who know that there is perhaps no more important, more difficult, and ultimately more rewarding undertaking than raising a child. I was very fortunate to have been raised by a loving mother in a stable and caring home. As we approach Mother's Day, however, I can't help but be reminded of the over 500,000 children in the foster care system in this country who await permanent homes. Although in recent years we have made great strides in improving the child welfare system, through legislation such as the Adoption and Safe Families Act, there is no substitute for loving parents and a permanent home. For thousands of children who are still waiting, adoption offers the hope to finally find a ``forever family''. I would like to remember the children who still wait to celebrate Mother's Day in a permanent home, as well as those families whom adoption has brought together. Mr. Speaker, children are awaiting adoptive parents not only in this country, but in nations all over the world. For years, American families have reached across cultural and national boundaries to embrace children through international adoption. My own family was forever changed and enriched by the adoption of our two children from Korea. It is difficult for me to express how deeply grateful I am to have Kathryn and Scott in my life. This Mother's Day, it is my greatest hope that every family and every child still waiting will also have the opportunity to experience the joy of adoption. ____________________