Republican U.S. Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw today sharply criticized his Democratic opponent, Rep. Andy Kim, for not co-sponsoring a bipartisan resolution urging Ukraine to recommence international adoptions with the United States.
“It’s mind-boggling to think Congressman Kim wouldn’t stand with the entire New Jersey congressional delegation in reuniting hundreds of Ukrainian orphans with their adoptive American families,” Bashaw said. “My heart is breaking for these families and kids, who’ve suddenly been forced into limbo, and are at risk for being severely abused and mistreated.”
The resolution is sponsored by Rep. Christopher Smith (R-Manchester) and co-sponsored by the other nine members of the New Jersey House delegation.
Kim said he supports Ukraine reopening adoptions and said he’s been engaging directly with the Ukraine government and the U.S. Department of State.
“The Ukrainian government has conveyed implementation challenges as they are enduring some of the most brutal attacks by Russia since the war began,” Kim said. “After past debacles in Haiti and other crisis zones of children wrongfully being adopted, the U.S. can and should try and assist to make sure that Ukraine can handle this safely.”
But Kim thinks there are better ways to help orphans find adoptive parents in the U.S. than a non-binding congressional resolution.
“Based on my own experiences in diplomacy in conflict zones, I believe Congress at this time can best support this goal by working with the State Department in a unified way through existing diplomatic efforts instead of pushing Ukraine directly on its own,” said Kim. “Ukraine is an ally in the midst of a fight for its survival, and the U.S. can best achieve success by working in a coordinated, whole of government way.”
Bashaw said there are two New Jersey families who “just want to give these children a safe, forever home.”
“Why would any member of Congress not work their hardest to help them?” Basha asked.