OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Fostering the Future Act

Floor Speech

Date: May 19, 2026
Location: Washington, DC

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7432, the Fostering the Future Act. This important piece of legislation is a reflection of months of hard work by the members of the Committee on Ways and Means and staff.

These much-needed reforms to the Chafee program in this bill will empower current and former foster youth as they transition into adulthood.

At a recent Committee on Ways and Means roundtable with First Lady Melania Trump focused on foster care, I had the privilege of hearing from Jayden Martinez, a student at Stephen F. Austin State University who came out of the foster care system. Hearing directly from Jayden reinforced something many of us already know: These young Americans are capable of extraordinary things when they are given the tools and the support they need to succeed.

The Fostering the Future Act makes several significant reforms.

First, it includes the Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act, legislation I co-lead with Congressman Judy Chu. This will increase the maximum Education and Training Voucher amount from $5,000 to $12,000, which will allow foster youth to access education and skilled programs. It helps provide grace periods when foster youth are struggling at the collegiate level. Right now, States like Texas are returning more than a million dollars each year of unused funds intended for foster youth in this program.

Second, the Fostering the Future Act broadens use of Education and Training Vouchers to apprenticeships, workforce credential programs, and remedial education.

Third, it also simplifies the application process so that foster youth can more easily access the resources that Congress has already made available.

Last, the Fostering the Future Act codifies several priorities included in the President's executive order Fostering the Future for American Children and Families.

Championed by First Lady Melania Trump, as President Reagan often reminded this Nation, America's strength is found in the promise of opportunity. This legislation will allow current and former foster youth the opportunity to pursue education, meaningful work, and the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Fostering the Future Act.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT


Source
arrow_upward