Duval Times

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently proposed a rule that would eliminate "gender-specific" words like "paternity," "mother," and "father" from federal regulations guiding the Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program. This move has sparked opposition from U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and several of his colleagues, who sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to rescind the "Don't Say Dad" rule and to stop attempting to erase biological sex from federal law.

Rubio and his colleagues expressed their concerns in the letter, stating, "Your administration's 'Don't Say Dad' agenda is not only confusing, it does nothing to help single parents who are struggling to provide for their children. We urge you to rescind the proposed rule, acknowledge the essential role that mothers and fathers play in families, and focus your efforts on more important matters."

The senators further criticized the administration for using the Child Support Enforcement program as a means to advance what they described as "radical gender ideology," rather than strengthening its ability to support families. They emphasized the importance of recognizing the differences between mothers and fathers, as well as their vital roles in raising children. According to the senators, federal regulations should uphold this fact rather than erasing the reality of biological sex in the law.

Joining Rubio in signing the letter were Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Braun (R-IN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS). Together, they urged President Biden to reconsider the proposed rule and refocus on policies that actually help the American people.

The senators highlighted the significance of the Child Support Enforcement program in ensuring that both parents share in the responsibility of caring for and providing for their children. They pointed out that the program distributed over $30 billion to single parents, mostly single mothers, in 2022, reducing poverty and assisting these parents in providing for their children. The senators also mentioned that research has shown that the program encourages noncustodial fathers to be more involved in their children's lives, leading to various nonfinancial benefits.

In their letter, the senators proposed bipartisan reforms to the Child Support Enforcement program, aiming to provide tangible support to single mothers and their children. One such reform is requiring fathers to pay child support throughout pregnancy, preventing them from walking away while mothers face hefty medical bills. The senators argued that this reform, unlike the proposed rule, would acknowledge the basic reality of biological sex and offer concrete assistance to millions of mothers who rely on the program.

In conclusion, Senator Marco Rubio and his colleagues have voiced their opposition to the "Don't Say Dad" rule proposed by the Biden administration. They urge the President to rescind the rule and recognize the essential role that both mothers and fathers play in families. The senators emphasize the need for federal regulations to uphold the reality of biological sex and focus on policies that genuinely assist the American people, particularly single parents and their children.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/rubio-colleagues-oppose-biden-admins-dont-say-dad-rule/