Rockford Sun

Congressman Darin LaHood celebrated the passage of his legislation, stating, "This first-in-a-generation reauthorization and reform of Title IV-B programs will expand evidence-based services to prevent child abuse and save taxpayers money," in a Sept. 18 Facebook post.

"After a year long review of child welfare programs by the CCommittee on Ways and Means GOP I'm proud to see my Supporting America's Children and Families Act pass the House," said LaHood, U.S. Representative, according to Facebook. "This first-in-a-generation reauthorization and reform of Title IV-B programs will expand evidence-based services to prevent child abuse and save taxpayers money."

According to LaHood, "For the past year, the Ways and Means Committee has undertaken a review of the Title IV-B child welfare program, listening to stakeholders, state administrators, and those with lived experience on the most pressing challenges. The bipartisan Supporting America’s Children and Families Act, which incorporates significant bipartisan involvement from members across our committee, reauthorizes Title IV-B for five years and implements critical reforms to modernize and strengthen the program, providing essential support to America's children," said LaHood in a Sept. 18 news release.

Screenshot of Congressman Darin LaHood's Sept. 18 Facebook post | U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood Facebook page

LaHood introduced House Resolution 9076 on July 22, 2024. It moved to the Senate on Sept. 19, 2024, according to Congress’ website focused on this bill. It has been referred to the Committee on Finance.

The Act reauthorizes child welfare programs, including $420,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2029. It also streamlines funding for Indian Tribes by reserving 3% of funding appropriated to section 425 for a fiscal year for grants to Indian tribes and organizations. Those funds will be paid directly to the tribes and tribal organizations. Additionally, it calls for a plan and technical assistance for effective implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978.

Congressman LaHood has represented Illinois since 2015. Initially serving in the 18th Congressional District from 2015-2023; following redistricting, he now represents constituents of the 16th District. His political experience includes four years in the state senate from 2011-2015. He also served as a state and federal prosecutor for more than nine years and worked for the US Department of Justice as an Assistant US Attorney in Las Vegas, Nevada. LaHood holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loras College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois-Chicago John Marshall Law School. He resides with his wife in Peoria.