WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Ways and Means Committee voted to pass the Modernizing the Interstate Placement of Children Act (H.R. 4472). The bipartisan bill, introduced by Ways and Means Committee Members Rep. Todd Young (R-IN) and Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL), requires states to implement the National Electronic Interstate Compact Enterprise (NEICE), a system that reduces the amount of time it takes to place foster children in the environment best suited for them.

Rep. Young explained how important easing the child placement process is to helping children find a loving, stable environment:

“They deserve to be placed in the setting that is best for them, regardless of whether that is a home within their state or across a state line. […] For children who’ve endured such unimaginable circumstances, the sooner we get them placed into a forever home, the better.”

Applauding the bill’s passage, Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) said:

“While their bill takes many important steps to modernize the antiquated system used throughout our country, the most important thing that it does is help foster children be placed in better homes sooner. This is a noble goal and an excellent bill. I am so grateful for [Reps. Young and Davis’] commitment to helping children and their families.”