Speech #1050089087

In fact. it is estimated that over a million people die worldwide from measles every year. with tens of millions of cases reported. We simply cannot become lackadaisical about vaccinating against diseases. such as measles. which remains a potent killer in the rest of the world. That is why I authored a provision in last years Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act to require incoming immigrants to receive certain immunizations before entering the United States. That provision took effect as of July 1. 1997. Soon thereafter. I heard from numerous parents of internationally adopted children that the foreign immunization requirement posed a unique risk for young orphans adopted from abroad. After carefully reviewing their concerns. and taking into consideration the fact that these adoptive parents are not familiar with the foreign medical community or with the medical histories of these young orphaned children. I introduced H.R. 2464 to exempt internationally adopted children under age 11 from the immigration vaccination requirement. In addition. these adoptive parents will sign an affidavit stating that they will have their adopted children immunized within 30 days of entering the country or as soon as medically appropriate. This affidavit will primarily serve to remind parents of the vital importance of having their children immunized once they arrive in the United States.