Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Senate President Pro Tempore
“Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Executive Order”
Tuesday, November 18, 2025

VIDEO

Today, I commend First Lady Melania Trump for her leadership on the recent Fostering the Future for American Children and Families executive order.

And, obviously, the thanks would go to President Trump for his support of his wife’s work, and it wouldn’t happen without his signing the order last week.

This action is an important step to see that young people who have experienced foster care are supported as they begin to navigate their lives as adults.

For decades, I’ve worked to shine light on the challenges that foster youth face.

The bipartisan Senate Caucus on Foster Youth that I launched with former Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) in 2009 and still co-chair today has a particular focus on the challenges that older foster youth face.

Young people who already faced constant uncertainty growing up, often compounded with the trauma of neglect and abuse, are then expected to lead the rest of their lives successfully on their own. And that’s a hard way to start a life outside of foster care.

And, of course, that is just not quite right. They deserved a mom and dad, a supportive and safe environment to grow up and to develop, and to have meaningful connections.

While nothing can replace the things I just mentioned, I find they at least ought to have a chance to have some support to pursue higher education [and to] find employment and stable housing, all to help prepare for their future.

I continue to work to find avenues to provide this support for these young people, including exploring ways to increase the awareness of federal programs that support older foster youth.

I started out by complementing our first lady. In her remarks announcing the executive order, the first lady said this: “I predict this small spark today will ignite a profound and lasting nationwide movement.”

I share her optimism and once again thank her for her commitment to improve the lives of young people.

I look forward to working with her and supporting how I can do that here in the United States Senate, both as an individual senator and as co-chair of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth.

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