If you’re a parent and owe child support, escaping your responsibilities here in states by running to another country is about to get harder.
Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) voted Tuesday in support of legislation that gives state and local child support enforcement officials access to the necessary tools to make international enforcement happen.
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“Parents attached to the financial commitment of supporting children should not be able to escape that responsibility abroad,” said Fitzpatrick of the International Child Support Recovery Improvement Act [HR 1896] – which passed the House by a 394-27 vote.
“This simple piece of legislation allows for enforcement officials to work with local, state and international agencies in effectively implementing child support laws.”
International Child Support Recovery Improvement Act is the implementation mechanism for the Hague Convention on International Recovery of Child Support and other forms of family support . The international agreement allows for the exchange of information and enforcement of cases between nations.
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“By streamlining the process, and increasing the recovery of child support payments HR 1896 is slated to save hardworking taxpayers nearly half a million dollars,” continued Fitzpatrick.
In addition, the legislation standardizes child support case information in the same format as child welfare, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and unemployment insurance program data- allowing researchers to further evaluate Federal reemployment programs.
“I am pleased this bill has once again passed the House with bipartisan support- ensuring the best for our children is not a partisan issue or one that should be hindered by disjointed regulations,” added Fitzpatrick.
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