What Policymakers are Saying

NFI asked some of our nation's elected leaders about their views on the future of fatherhood in public policy.

Here is what they said:

Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) "The American family is the foundation of our society, and we must do all we can to help fathers do the right thing for their children. Today, too many men leave mothers to bear the brunt of being both mom and dad, forcing them to face the challenges of raising a child and providing for the family on their own. I know President Obama shares my commitment to helping fathers become the best dads they can be; we worked together on these initiatives in the Senate. With the new administration on our side, we can make healthy families and responsible fatherhood a priority together."

Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN); co-chair of National Fatherhood Initiative's Senate Task Force on Responsible Fatherhood

Senator John Thune (R-SD) "Being a father has been the happiest, most rewarding experience of my life. The importance of responsible fathers cannot be overstated. The NFI continues to be a valuable resource for us as we enact policies that encourage more responsible fatherhood, not only to improve the lives of children and families, but also to reduce the financial strain on families and taxpayer funded programs."

Senator John Thune (R-SD); co-chair of National Fatherhood Initiative's Senate Task Force on Responsible Fatherhood

Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC) "There is nothing more important to this country's future than making sure our children have the support and guidance they need to develop and become active members of our communities. Fathers play a vital role in shaping and nurturing our nation's youth, and as Congress considers public policy options, it is critical that we remember the positive impact that dads can make."

Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC); co-chair of National Fatherhood Initiative's Congressional Task Force on Responsible Fatherhood

Rep. Joseph Pitts (R-PA) "I think that it's important that whatever party is in control, we continue fatherhood and marriage promotion programs. This includes programs that teach parenting and fatherhood involvement for those men who want to engage in the lives of their children. Government policies do affect the strength of our families. We need to avoid policies, like the marriage tax penalty, that discourage strong families while we work toward helping to create strong families for the sake of our nation's children."

Rep. Joseph Pitts (R-PA); co-chair of National Fatherhood Initiative's Congressional Task Force on Responsible Fatherhood

Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) "As the eldest daughter of a dedicated public servant, I am a perfect example of the lifelong effect a loving and nurturing father can have on a child. My father not only taught me how to be an effective leader, he also showed me how to successfully parent my own two children. Every child needs and deserves what I had --- a father to love and guide them. For that reason, I remain committed to supporting federal policies and programs that promote responsible fatherhood."

Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA); member of National Fatherhood Initiative's Senate Task Force on Responsible Fatherhood

Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) "In my youth, I spent a significant amount of time helping my own father with the family business. To this day, I continue to apply his lessons to the work I do in the House of Representatives. I believe it is imperative that the government enact and follow policies when possible that foster the bond between fathers and their children."