Press Releases

Statement by Representatives David Camp and Bill Delahunt During their Visit to Guatemala

Guatemala, February 5, 2004

We would like to thank the officials and Congress members as well as the people of Guatemala for receiving us with such hospitality.

Our delegation is here to highlight the issue of adoptions. We have mutual interests in an open and transparent adoption process that is fair to all parties involved -- the child, the birth parents and the adoptive parents. We look forward to discussing this issue with the Government of Guatemala and Congress in a constructive dialogue.

We know this is an issue of utmost importance to both governments and both peoples. The concept of family is dear to the Guatemalans and the Americans.

Our governments are working together to ensure that the best interests of children continues to be the top priority, and that the system is transparent, humane and orderly.

Joined by active representatives from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, we represent a body of 170 of our colleagues made up of both Senate and House members from both political parties. While we have professional differences on many issues, adoption is an issue on which we are unified.---