Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.es487 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that fatherhood is essential to the development of all children, and that the increased involvement of fathers in the home will lead to economic prosperity, educational excellence, and improved social mobility for children across all racial and ethnic groups. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.Res.487 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of fatherhood. It emphasizes that increased involvement of fathers in the home can lead to positive outcomes for children across all racial and ethnic groups. The resolution highlights the role of fathers in providing nurture, support, and guidance, and addresses the negative consequences of fatherlessness.

Expected Effects

If passed, this resolution could lead to increased awareness and support for fatherhood initiatives. It may also influence future legislation and policies aimed at strengthening families and reducing fatherlessness. The resolution itself does not enact any laws or allocate funding, but it signals a commitment from the House of Representatives to address the issue.

Potential Benefits

  • Promotes stronger families and communities by emphasizing the importance of fatherhood.
  • Encourages public officials, community leaders, and citizens to support engaged fatherhood.
  • Aims to reduce negative outcomes associated with fatherlessness, such as violence, substance abuse, and teen pregnancy.
  • Supports programs and initiatives that provide incarcerated individuals with skills for employment upon release.
  • Could lead to policies that incentivize two-parent households and address misaligned incentives in federal welfare programs.

Potential Disadvantages

  • The resolution is non-binding and may not result in concrete action or policy changes.
  • Some may view the resolution as promoting a specific family structure (two-parent households) to the exclusion of other valid family arrangements.
  • The resolution's focus on fatherhood could be interpreted as overlooking the importance of mothers and other caregivers.
  • The emphasis on incarceration as a cause of single-parent homes could overshadow other contributing factors, such as economic hardship and relationship instability.
  • The resolution does not address potential unintended consequences of incentivizing two-parent households, such as pressuring individuals to stay in unhealthy relationships.

Constitutional Alignment

The resolution aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare and securing the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity, as stated in the Preamble. While the Constitution does not explicitly address fatherhood or family structure, the resolution's aims are consistent with the government's role in supporting the well-being of its citizens. The resolution does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or provisions.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).