Washington – The First Focus Campaign for Children, a national bipartisan children’s advocacy organization, today endorsed the Family Care Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Al Franken (D-MN) to remedy a glitch in U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If uncorrected, this ill-considered regulation could leave health insurance out of reach for as many as 1.9 million children.

“We want the Affordable Care Act to provide coverage that works for children, and the fact is that – because of this ‘kids glitch’ – sometimes, it doesn’t,” said First Focus Campaign for Children president Bruce Lesley.

Under ACA, anyone who has an offer of affordable insurance is ineligible for tax credit subsidies for coverage in the new health insurance “exchange” marketplaces. But the IRS regulations implementing that provision base the affordability assessment on the cost of insuring the employee alone, instead of the cost of family coverage. While individual-only employer-sponsored health insurance costs average around $5,400 a year, annual costs for family coverage average $15,000 – nearly triple. Thus children will remain uninsured because the IRS regulatory glitch denies their parents the tax benefit needed to afford coverage for the whole family.

Senator Franken’s legislation would require the IRS to assess affordability for a family by comparing the costs of coverage for the whole family against the whole family’s income. If not remedied, the kids glitch could deny coverage to 460,000 children, according to an estimate by the nonpartisan U.S. Government Accountability Organization (GAO). The Franken bill ensures that family members who don’t have an affordable offer of coverage from an employer can apply for subsidized coverage in the new insurance marketplace.

“Senator Franken’s proposal offers a common-sense solution to a nonsensical problem, and we urge senators to support it,” said Lesley.

# # #

The First Focus Campaign for Children is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization. The Campaign for Children advocates directly for legislative change in Congress to ensure children and families are the priority in federal policy and budget decisions. For more information, visit www.ffcampaignforchildren.org.

Washington – Dr. Phil McGraw, arguably, the world's leading mental health expert, television personality and outspoken children's rights activist, has cosigned a letter joining more than 100 organizations in urging U.S. House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to support a budget initiative aimed at reducing unwarranted overmedication of children in foster care. The First Focus Campaign for Children, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization, coordinated the letter in partnership with Voice for Adoption, a national organization advocating for children in foster care.

A 2011 federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) analysis requested by a key Senate committee found that children in foster care are inappropriately prescribed psychotropic medications at a rate quadruple their peers. The same analysis found that children in foster care received larger and more frequent doses of these mind-altering drugs, including dosages exceeding the federal Food and Drug Administration's recommendations. A follow-up GAO audit released this month found that documentation supporting the prescription of psychotropic drugs to foster children was sometimes incomplete in critical areas: screening, assessment, and treatment planning; medication monitoring; and informed and shared decision making.

“When children have behavioral and mental health problems, they need a complete treatment plan, not just drugs that can obscure the underlying problems,” said Bruce Lesley, president of the First Focus Campaign for Children. “The more people hear about this problem, the quicker Congress will do something, so it’s great that Dr. Phil is playing a leadership role in protecting kids.”

Medication can be a part of a treatment plan, but only if appropriately prescribed, monitored and used in combination with evidence-based “psychosocial” therapy aimed at treating the underlying mental health condition. As the letter notes, advocates seek a comprehensive approach in which medications are administered to children only when necessary, and then only with effective monitoring and controls.

McGraw will testify Thursday before the Subcommittee on Human Resources of the House Committee on Ways and Means, as the panel examines the use of psychotropic medications by children in foster care, state oversight, and opportunities for the federal government to help. McGraw, founder of The Dr. Phil Foundation, has drawn national attention to issues such as bullying and domestic violence, is a national spokesperson for court-appointed advocates for children affected by abuse or neglect.

“Prescription drugs can change and even save lives, but when it comes to these vulnerable children, these drugs are too often misused as ‘chemical straight jackets.’ This is a haphazard attempt to simply control and suppress undesirable behavior, rather than treat, nurture and develop these treasured young people,” said McGraw.

Inappropriately prescribed psychotropic drugs not only fail to address children’s real mental and behavioral health needs, but they often compound the challenges facing children in foster care. This can complicate efforts to help children reunify with birth parents or find permanent placement with relatives, an adoptive family or legal guardian.

“Medication alone cannot be the answer. Research is telling us that we are not only getting poor outcomes with our current practices, but that we are also spending millions of dollars on the wrong investments. Young people themselves are demanding better therapeutic practices to treat their underlying issues. Knowing what we know about the outcomes we are getting, it would be criminal not to take action to implement better policies and invest in better practices to treat the emotional health needs of these children,” said Nicole Dobbins, Executive Director, Voice for Adoption.

A proposal included in President Barack Obama’s federal fiscal year 2015 budget would allocate $750 million ($150 a year for five years) to improve federal and state efforts to curb overmedication of children in foster care. The demonstration effort pairs two federal agencies: the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). ACF would use $250 million to help states improve their capacity to oversee mental and behavior health care for children in foster care. States could use this funding to improve training, provide screening and assessment tools, evaluate care, and improve data collection. CMS would allocate $500 million as incentives to states that demonstrate reductions in inappropriate prescribing practices and over utilization of psychotropic medications, increased use of psychosocial treatments, and improved outcomes for foster children.

“This is exactly the right approach. Offer better alternatives and additional resources, but then reward states for what we all want – real improvements for kids,” said Lesley.

Although the 2011 GAO study prompted congressional hearings, the proposal’s future is uncertain. The president’s 2015 budget was declared “dead-on-arrival” by U.S. House of Representatives Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), and other senior Republicans on that committee.

The 117 organizations signing the letter included national groups, as well as more than 50 state and local advocates and child-serving agencies in 21 states, ranging from New Jersey to Arizona and Washington to Mississippi.

“This strong showing sends a clear message to Congress that there’s a nationwide movement to get beyond politics and push for action on this important problem,” said Lesley.

# # #

The First Focus Campaign for Children is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization. The Campaign for Children advocates directly for legislative change in Congress to ensure children and families are the priority in federal policy and budget decisions. For more information, visit www.ffcampaignforchildren.org.

Voice for Adoption (VFA) develops and advocates for improved adoption policies. Recognized as a national leader in special needs adoption, VFA works closely with federal legislators, as well as other child welfare organizations, to make a difference in the lives of the 102,000 children in foster care who are waiting to be adopted and the families who adopt children from foster care. For more information visit: www.voice-for-adoption.org.

The Dr. Phil Foundation, founded in 2003, is a nonprofit charitable organization committed to supporting organizations and programs that address the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual needs of children and families. For more information, go to www.drphilfoundation.org.

Washington – The First Focus Campaign for Children, a national bipartisan children’s advocacy organization, released a letter today urging leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee to support an amendment by Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA) to protect science-based standards for federally-funded school nutrition initiatives. Farr’s amendment would strike a provision in the draft U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) appropriations bill offering schools waivers of nutrition standards established under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFK).

“Congress should ensure schools have the resources necessary to meet nutrition standards, not lower the standards that protect children,” said First Focus Campaign for Children president Bruce Lesley.

The letter reminds lawmakers that the waiver provision is largely unnecessary. An overwhelming majority – 90 percent – of schools have already met HHFK standards. USDA has also offered flexibility and technical assistance to schools struggling with compliance.

The letter also cautions against other efforts to weaken nutritional standards in the National School Lunch Program and other food aid initiatives. The bill would override science-based nutritional standards for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), requiring USDA to subsidize white potatoes, despite the federal Institute of Medicine’s recommendations to the contrary. The bill also denies children in urban and suburban communities access to summer foodservice pilot programs, constraining access to children in rural communities.

“The House should put science and children ahead of politics,” said Lesley. “Hunger doesn’t care whether a child lives in a small town or in a big city, and when it comes to helping hungry children, Congress shouldn’t either.”

# # #

The First Focus Campaign for Children is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization. The Campaign for Children advocates directly for legislative change in Congress to ensure children and families are the priority in federal policy and budget decisions. For more information, visit www.ffcampaignforchildren.org.

Washington – The First Focus Campaign for Children, a national bipartisan children’s advocacy organization, today endorsed the Stop Child Summer Hunger Act, legislation introduced by United States Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) to mitigate childhood hunger during summer. Research indicates that hunger among families with school-age children jumps more than 34 percent during summer, when children are unable to access the National School Lunch Program and other school meals.

“Kids can’t send hunger on summer vacation, so the Stop Child Summer Hunger Act responds to an urgent need,” said First Focus Campaign for Children president Bruce Lesley.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers the school lunch program, also offers summer nutrition initiatives that make food available through recreation centers and other locations. But children who benefit from school nutrition efforts face barriers, like transportation and limited hours of availability, that prevent them from accessing summer nutrition sites. Estimates suggest that summer meals initiatives reach fewer than 15 percent of children who receive a free- or reduced-price meal at school.

The Stop Child Summer Hunger Act would provide a debit card that parents can use to replace school meals during summer. The proposal is modeled on a USDA pilot program that proved effective in eight states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. An evaluation showed that the pilot project reached 90 percent of eligible children and reduced hunger by 33 percent.

“Lawmakers say they want evidence-based solutions. Well, here’s a solution that’s field-tested and proven to deliver real results. We urge senators to support this common-sense plan to reduce childhood hunger,” said Lesley.

# # #

The First Focus Campaign for Children is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization. The Campaign for Children advocates directly for legislative change in Congress to ensure children and families are the priority in federal policy and budget decisions. For more information, visit www.ffcampaignforchildren.org.

Washington — The First Focus Campaign for Children, a national bipartisan children’s advocacy organization, released a letter today urging leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee to reject politically-motivated efforts to undermine science-based nutrition policies for federally-funded nutrition initiatives. The letter specifically cites proposals to override a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) policy excluding white potatoes – the main ingredient in French fries – from WIC’s food “package.”

“We’ve got a simple message for Congress: hold the fries,” said First Focus Campaign for Children president Bruce Lesley.

For decades, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has based WIC nutrition standards on the best available science. The current USDA policy prohibiting WIC subsidies for white potatoes responds to a recommendation by the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine, based on the Institute’s conclusion that the diets of WIC-eligible children, mothers, and pregnant women are already high enough in white potatoes. Proposals in Congress, including the Appropriations Committee’s draft federal fiscal year 2015 funding bill, responds to industry pressure with language to override that science-based policy.

“When Congress listens to lobbyists, they respond to a childhood obesity crisis with a French fry mandate,” said Lesley. “The House should reject that misguided plan and put science and children ahead of lobbyists.”

The letter also cautions against other efforts to weaken nutritional standards in the National School Lunch Program and related food aid initiatives. Despite the fact that 90 percent of schools have already met standards established under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, the draft USDA appropriations bill reportedly includes language offering waivers of the compliance deadline.

“Congress should ensure schools have the resources necessary to meet nutrition standards, not lower the standards that protect children,” said Lesley.

The Campaign for Children letter also urges appropriators to fully fund initiatives that reduce both childhood hunger and childhood obesity:

• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food for 22 million children each month;
• The Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program (“SNAP-Ed”), which provides nutrition education to help families find, buy, and prepare healthy foods on limited budgets;
• WIC, which helps women to deliver healthy babies and supports their early care by providing food and breastfeeding counseling, nutrition education, healthcare and social service referrals;
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program, which provides food and financial support to help food banks deliver nutritious food through pantries, shelters, and kitchens; and
• School nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

“One-fifth of kids in America today lives in a home that struggles with hunger, and whether that number goes up or down next year depends on the choices Congress makes this year,” said Lesley.

# # #

Washington — U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced legislation today to strengthen protections for children victimized by abuse or neglect. While federal law currently requires states to establish mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting laws, it does not delineate who must report abuse and neglect. While retaining states’ flexibility to define other “mandatory reporters,” the Speak Up to Protect Every Abused Kid Act (“SPEAK Up Act”) would specify that individuals working in professional or volunteer capacities directly with children, including health professionals and school employees, must report incidences and suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. The proposal would also provide federal grants to help states educate and train adults who work with children on warning signs of abuse or neglect, appropriate reporting, and available prevention resources. It also requires improved coordination between states in child abuse and neglect investigations, so jurisdictional boundaries don’t impede thorough and timely investigations.

In response, First Focus Campaign for Children President Bruce Lesley released the following statement:

"A child in danger should never be ignored. We applaud Senator Casey for his leadership in increasing protections for children. Authorities can’t stop abuse or neglect if they don’t know about it, so this legislation responds to an urgent need, and we urge congressional leadership to advance this important proposal."

# # #

Washington – The First Focus Campaign for Children, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization, sent a letter today urging members of the United States Senate’s Health, Labor, Education and Pensions (HELP) Committee to pass the Strong Start for America's Children Act (S. 1697). The proposal, introduced in November by HELP Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA), would make quality pre-Kindergarten (pre-K) affordable for every child in America and strengthen early education by improving connections between child care, pre-K, and kindergarten. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman George Miller (D-CA) and Congressman Richard Hanna (R-NY), demonstrating a bipartisan commitment to ensuring that children enter kindergarten ready to learn.

“High-quality pre-K cultivates the ‘soft skills’ prized by employers, so this legislation gives today’s kids a better chance to compete in tomorrow’s economy,” said First Focus Campaign for Children President Bruce Lesley.

The legislation would make high-quality pre-K affordable by establishing a federal-state funding partnership similar in concept to the highly successful and bipartisan Children’s Health Insurance Program. It authorizes nearly $27 billion over five years in federal funding to support qualifying state pre-K initiatives. States receiving federal funds must ensure that high-quality pre-K:

• Is affordable – for all four-year-olds in families with annual incomes under 200 percent of the federal poverty level (about $23,500 for a family of four, in 2013);
• Works for all children – by establishing early learning standards that align with their K-12 education systems and are appropriate for the children they serve, taking into account their developmental, language, and cultural needs;
• Meets quality standards – like minimum staff qualifications, evidence-based maximum class size, child-to-staff ratios, and health and safety standards, and provides comprehensive services including nutrition, health screenings, physical activity opportunities, and opportunities to engage families; and
• Improves outcomes – though it prohibits states from relying on a single assessment, the bill requires that states report on their progress increasing school readiness, narrowing school readiness gaps between children of different races and incomes, and reducing special education placements.

The Campaign for Children also urged senators to reject amendments to block-grant early education initiatives. The letter cautions that block-grants are unnecessary, because the bill offers states considerable flexibility in the design and operation of their pre-K programs. It also warns that block grants would undermine efforts to ensure the safety and effectiveness of pre-K initiatives.

“If flexibility means pre-K initiatives aren’t safe or don’t work, kids aren’t getting what they need and taxpayers aren’t getting what they paid for,” said Lesley.

The letter also cautions against amendments to weaken the bill’s fundamental strengths. The first is the bill’s commitment to quality pre-K: teachers with college degrees and specialized training in child development; curricula that meet all of a child’s needs, including developmental, cultural, and language; small class sizes and settings that support and encourage learning; and “wraparound” services to ensure that empty stomachs, unmet health needs, and other problems aren’t standing in the way of kids’ development and learning. The second is a federal-state funding partnership that promotes both affordability and quality, but ensures that states take on a larger funding share over time.

Children who attend high-quality pre-K programs show improved academic achievement and are less likely to drop out of school, become teen parents, or be convicted of a crime later in life. But existing pre-K initiatives vary considerably in quality, and at an average cost of about $8,800 a year, high-quality private pre-K programs are out of reach for many families. Children in Latino families are much less likely than their peers to have access to affordable, high-quality pre-K.

“It’s about fairness – quality pre-K levels the playing field, especially for poor children, but it only works if parents can afford to enroll their kids,” said Lesley.

# # #

The First Focus Campaign for Children is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization. The Campaign for Children advocates directly for legislative change in Congress to ensure children and families are the priority in federal policy and budget decisions. For more information, visit www.ffcampaignforchildren.org.

Washington – More than 100 organizations today sent a letter urging U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to support a budget initiative aimed at reducing unwarranted overmedication of children in foster care. The First Focus Campaign for Children, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization, coordinated the letter in partnership with Voice for Adoption, a national organization advocating for children in foster care.

A 2011 federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) analysis requested by a key Senate committee found that children in foster care are inappropriately prescribed psychotropic medications at a rate quadruple their peers. The same analysis found that children in foster care received larger and more frequent doses of these mind-altering drugs, including dosages exceeding the federal Food and Drug Administration's recommendations.

“When children have behavioral and mental health problems, they need a complete treatment plan, not just drugs that can obscure the underlying problems,” said Bruce Lesley, president of the First Focus Campaign for Children.

Medication can be a part of a treatment plan, but only if appropriately prescribed, monitored and used in combination with evidence-based “psychosocial” therapy aimed at treating the underlying mental health condition. As the letter notes, advocates seek a comprehensive approach in which medications are administered to children only when necessary, and then only with effective monitoring and controls.

Inappropriately prescribed psychotropic drugs not only fail to address children’s real mental and behavioral health needs, but they often compound the challenges facing children in foster care. This can complicate efforts to help children reunify with birth parents or find permanent placement with relatives, an adoptive family or legal guardian.

“Children and youth are suffering and families are struggling to address their underlying issues, high dosages of medication alone is not the answer. This is an important collaborative between child welfare and Medicaid, and if funded the community believes it will go a long way in helping meet the serious emotional health needs of children involved in the foster care system,” said Nicole Dobbins, Executive Director, Voice for Adoption.

A proposal included in President Barack Obama’s federal fiscal year 2015 budget would allocate $750 million ($150 a year for five years) to improve federal and state efforts to curb overmedication of children in foster care. The demonstration effort pairs two federal agencies: the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). ACF would use $250 million to help states improve their capacity to oversee mental and behavior health care for children in foster care. States could use this funding to improve training, provide screening and assessment tools, evaluate care, and improve data collection. CMS would allocate $500 million as incentives to states that demonstrate reductions in inappropriate prescribing practices and over utilization of psychotropic medications, increased use of psychosocial treatments, and improved outcomes for foster children.

“This is exactly the right approach. Offer better alternatives and additional resources, but then reward states for what we all want – real improvements for kids,” said Lesley.

Although the 2011 GAO study prompted congressional hearings, the proposal’s future is uncertain. The president’s 2015 budget was declared “dead-on-arrival” by U.S. House of Representatives Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), and other senior Republicans on that committee.

The 116 organizations signing the letter included national groups, as well as more than 50 state and local advocates and child-serving agencies in 21 states, ranging from New Jersey to Arizona and Washington to Mississippi.

“This strong showing sends a clear message to Congress that there’s a nationwide movement to get beyond politics and push for action on this important problem,” said Lesley.

# # #

The First Focus Campaign for Children is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization. The Campaign for Children advocates directly for legislative change in Congress to ensure children and families are the priority in federal policy and budget decisions. For more information, visit www.ffcampaignforchildren.org.

Voice for Adoption (VFA) develops and advocates for improved adoption policies. Recognized as a national leader in special needs adoption, VFA works closely with federal legislators, as well as other child welfare organizations, to make a difference in the lives of the 102,000 children in foster care who are waiting to be adopted and the families who adopt children from foster care. For more information visit: www.voice-for-adoption.org.

Washington – Legislation introduced today by Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) would restore health care access for children. Specifically, the Health Equity & Access under the Law for Immigrant Women & Families Act of 2014 would ensure that lawfully present immigrant children eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid can get the care they need, without an arbitrary five year waiting period. The bill would also make “DREAMers” participating in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals initiative, if they otherwise qualify, eligible for CHIP or Medicaid or to purchase insurance through the Affordable Care Act’s new health care marketplaces. The First Focus Campaign for Children joined more than 150 national and state organizations in endorsing this important legislation. The advocacy group released the following statement today by First Focus Campaign for Children president Bruce Lesley:

“Children with cancer, asthma, diabetes, or who just need glasses should never have to wait five years, regardless of immigration status. Five years can be a lifetime for a child, and children simply can't wait for years to get the health care they need. In addition, the bill eliminates the nonsensical policy of asking pregnant women to wait five years to get maternal and prenatal care that reduces infant mortality. Children of immigrants are one-fourth of the children in America, so continuing to deny immigrant children and parents the health care they need is as short-sighted as it is cold-hearted. It’s time for Congress to pass the HEAL Immigrant Women & Families Act.”

# # #

The First Focus Campaign for Children is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization. The Campaign for Children advocates directly for legislative change in Congress to ensure children and families are the priority in federal policy and budget decisions. For more information, visit www.ffcampaignforchildren.org.

Washington — Today, the First Focus Campaign for Children, a national bipartisan children’s advocacy group, recognized Representative Karen Bass for her leadership on issues important to children during 2013.

“Lots of politicians talk about kids’ issues, but few back it up,” said Bruce Lesley, president of the Campaign for Children. “Representative Bass delivered for kids.”

In selecting Champions and Defenders, the First Focus Campaign for Children noted leaders who introduced, co-sponsored, and voted for legislation to meet children’s needs. In addition, the organization considered Members who demonstrated extraordinary initiative by spearheading activities such as sponsoring hearings or garnering the support of their colleagues to improve the health and well-being of children. In recognizing Rep. Bass as a Champion for Children, the advocacy group cited her leadership on child abuse and neglect prevention and response.

The advocacy organization recognized as “Champions for Children” 50 Members of Congress for their extraordinary efforts to protect and improve the future of America’s next generation. An additional 50 Members were recognized as “Defenders of Children” for their support of policies that advance the well-being of children. The 2013 Champions and Defenders are:

2013 Champions for Children

Champions for Children made extraordinary efforts to protect and improve the future of America's next generation.

Senate

Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK)
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Sen. Robert Casey (D-PA)
Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS)
Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL)
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN)
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA)
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV)
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)

House

Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA)
Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA)
Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA)
Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL)
Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA)
Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI)
Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL)
Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO)
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)
Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN)
Rep. Gene Green (D-TX)
Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ)
Rep. Michael Grimm (R-NY)
Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (D-IL)
Rep. Richard Hanna (R-NY)
Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX)
Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA)
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA)
Rep. John Lewis (D-GA)
Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN)
Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA)
Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA)
Rep. George Miller (D-CA)
Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI)
Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D-TX)
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY)
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)
Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA)
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA)
Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA)
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)

2013 Defenders of Children

Defenders of Children supported efforts to advance policies to improve the well-being of America's children.

Senate

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT)
Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA)
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD)
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT)
Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH)
Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI)
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)

House

Del. Donna Christensen (D-VI)
Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY)
Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC)
Rep. John Conyers (D-MI)
Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA)
Rep. Chris Gibson (R-NY)
Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL)
Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD)
Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX)
Rep. David Joyce (R-OH)
Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)
Rep. Peter King (R-NY)
Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI)
Rep. Sandy Levin (D-MI)
Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ)
Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA)
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA)
Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA)
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ)
Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI)
Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO)
Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA)
Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY)
Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA)
Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA)
Rep. José Serrano (D-NY)
Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH)
Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY)
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)
Rep. David Valadao (R-CA)
Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA)
Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL)

This is the Campaign for Children’s fourth annual class of Champions for Children. For more information about past honorees, visit www.ffcampaignforchildren.org.