Exclusive | GOP lawmakers push bill touting dads for Father’s Day — and calling out crisis of 1 and 4 kids growing up without one

Two Republican reps unveiled a resolution in time for Father’s Day aimed at drawing attention to the millions of kids growing up without fathers — roughly one in four US children — and underscoring the important roles that dads play in American society.

Reps. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Burgess Owens (R-Utah) introduced the resolution in the House earlier this month and urged policymakers to back solutions that encourage fatherhood.

“I’m blessed with six children and 17 grandchildren — they are the heartbeat of everything I do,” Owens, 73, explained about the resolution. “We know that when fathers are engaged, children thrive, succeed in school, stay out of trouble and build brighter futures.

“This Father’s Day, I’m proud to reintroduce this resolution to recognize the power and purpose of fatherhood, and to send a clear message: America is stronger when families are strong, fathers are present, and parents are empowered.”

The resolution, HR 487, which hasn’t received a vote yet, declares that “fatherhood is essential to the development of all children.”

About 18.4 million children — roughly a quarter of American kids — live without any father in the home — including a biological, step or adoptive dad, according to US Census Bureau data.

Roughly 80% of single-parent households are run by single moms, one study from 2022 found.

“A father’s impact is truly incalculable,” Donalds, who is running for Florida governor, said in a statement. “It is fundamental for growth and development throughout a child’s life. Fathers are providers, protectors, teachers, mentors, role models, and so much more.”

“Too many children across our country have been robbed of this lasting influence and we must do everything we can to end the tragic cycle of fatherlessness in America. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Owens to express the importance of this timeless institution.”

The resolution is also being championed by former Minnesota Vikings and University of Minnesota football player Jack Brewer, whose eponymous foundation has worked to combat the fatherhood crisis in the US.

Last week, the Jack Brewer Foundation celebrated the grand opening of its National Fatherhood Center in Washington, DC.

“We should be embarrassed as the most fatherless nation in the world and declare war on this crisis in America,” Brewer said.

“Too many vulnerable children and families have been devastated, and we must address all policies that contribute to dismantling homes, ensuring that both a mother and a father are present to support their children.”

The resolution also draws attention to the impact of fatherlessness in minority communities and pushes for solutions such as workforce reentry initiatives for incarcerated parents, mentorship programs, and tax incentives for parents.

The measure also hails the First Step Act, opportunity zones and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUS) for helping to address fatherlessness in minority communities.

“Fatherlessness and the lack of important role models in the lives of children today are a root cause of the violence and unrest we are witnessing in our Nation,” the resolution warned.