Conference quark::mennotes-v1

264.0. "Content to F.A.I.R.'s telegram " by CIMNET::LUISI () Wed Aug 10 1988 17:52

    
    Note 253 discussed the proposed federal welfare bill and it's
    pontential impact on father's paying child support.  I was unable
    to share the contents of the telegram F.A.I.R. [National Father's
    Organization] was flooding Washington with opposing certain language
    contained in the bill.
    
    I now have a copy of that Telegram I wish to share.
    
    It is addressed to Senators Moynihan, Dole, Bentsen and Packwood.
    
    Subject:  Durenberger-Grassley Amendment (S. 1511)
    
    As a member of the Senate finance committee, I think it is critically
    important the you take up the matter of the Durenberger-Grassley
    Amendment which would establish the "Interstate Commission" on Access
    Enforsement" to protect the right of our nation's children of divorse
    to have a relationship with both parents.  As you know, the
    Durenberger-Grassley amendment recieved key verbal support prior
    to a departure from usual procedure in which the amendment was tabled
    without calling Senator Durenberger or Grassley to the Senate floor.
    
    I am very concerned about a pattern of events indicating an attempt
    to pass a welfare reform bill, which will effect over 20 million
    fathers, while excluding their participation in the legislative
    process.  The facts are compelling:
    
    First the Senate Finance Committee refused to allow our leaders
    to testify.  Then the Senate Finance Committee report was not made
    available until just two days before rushing S. 1511 into debate
    the week before Father's Day, when our leaders are preparing for
    Father's Day activities.  And finally, amendments to the bill were
    not published in advance so that we could contact lawmakers.
    
    As a responsible parent who supports a national organization deidicated
    to responsible and involved fatherhood, I do not wish to be estranged
    from either my children or my government.  The Durenberger-Grassley
    amendment is an important first step in assuring the right of
    non-custodial parents to have a responsible relationship with both
    their children and government.
    
    I urge the Senate Finance Committee to expeditiously examine and
    endorse the Durenberger-Grassley amendment as part of a separte
    bill.  Can we possibly help our children by ignoring that half of
    their parents who are fathers?
    
    Signed and dated
    
    End of Telegram
    
    The current bill calls for mandatory witholding [from pay roll]
    of child support payments and has no provisions addressing visitational
    interference.  
    
    If you would like more information about this issue as well as
    information on F.A.I.R. call 800-722-FAIR.  If you want to dispatch
    a telegram call 302-697-2537 [recorded message] and tell them it
    is in regards to the Durenberger-Grassley Amendment discussed in
    the June issue of American Fatherhood.
    
    Bill