(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Dennis Moore (KS-03) joined with parents and children’s advocates on Friday to highlight the need for bipartisan legislation he introduced with Congressman Jerry Moran (KS-01) that would allow the federal government to revoke the existing passport of any parent who falls $5,000 behind in his or her child support payments.

“As a parent and grandparent, I can’t imagine that anyone would choose to neglect or abandon their child, but I know that it happens all over the country,” Moore said. “This legislation will help ensure that parents fulfill their obligations and children have every opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Under current law, non-custodial parents who owe $5,000 or more in child support payments are restricted from receiving new passports, but may keep their current passport. This situation could potentially allow a parent to flee the country on an existing passport and avoid fulfilling child support responsibilities to his or her children.

“H.R. 4956 is common-sense legislation and I urge my colleagues in Congress to join in this effort,” Moore said. “I hope that Congress will address this issue as soon as we are back in session. We owe it to our children.”

Moore’s efforts were applauded by several parents whose ex-spouses have left the country to avoid paying child support, as well as the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS).

Currently, H.R. 4956 has 21 cosponsors and is awaiting consideration by the House Ways and Means and International Relations Committees.