Fatherhood Resolution Receives Unanimous Vote in the House

Congressman John Sullivan’s resolution honoring fatherhood passed the House of Representatives this week by a vote of 373-0. Congressman Sullivan is the co-chairman of the Congressional Taskforce for Responsible Fatherhood and a proud father. Rep John Sullivan (R-OK):

As we look forward to the celebration of Father’s Day this Sunday, I am proud to have introduced H. Res. 1243, which supports responsible fatherhood and encourages greater involvement by fathers in the lives of their children. Being a father is one of the greatest blessings in my life. My children are my number one priority and I strive every day to show them that they are important and loved.

Involved and proactive fathers help to shape confident and productive future citizens. I introduced this resolution not only to honor fathers, but to call attention to the importance of the job. The role that fathers play in the development of their children cannot be understated. So as we honor fathers on Father’s Day, we should also encourage men to evaluate their own participation in their children’s lives, because you can never be too involved.

The resolution calls on fathers across the nation to use Father’s Day to reconnect and rededicate themselves to their children’s lives. Findings by the National Fatherhood Initiative show that the closer adolescents feel to their fathers, regardless of the type of family structure in which they live, the less likely it is that they will engage in the use of drugs or in delinquent behavior.