Beth Van Duyne Targets Parents Who Fail to Pay Child Support

U.S. Representative Beth Van Duyne (R) announced the House passage of the Ensuring Children Receive Support Act, a bipartisan measure aimed at strengthening enforcement against individuals who fail to pay child support.

The bill, passed by unanimous consent, enhances the federal Passport Denial Program by requiring the State Department to revoke passports from individuals who owe more than $2,500 in outstanding child support payments.

The legislation was developed in coordination with Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), reflecting bipartisan support for stricter enforcement measures.

"By passing my Ensuring Children Receive Support Act, my House Colleagues and I are standing firmly on the side of America's children," said Van Duyne. "When parents meet their responsibilities, children have greater stability, families are stronger, and taxpayers are not left picking up the tab."

Under current law, the State Department already has the authority to deny or revoke passports for individuals with significant child support debt. However, lawmakers argue that enforcement has been inconsistent and slow. The new legislation seeks to mandate more immediate action, closing enforcement gaps that have allowed some delinquent parents to travel internationally despite owing substantial support.

Chairman Smith emphasized the need for stronger federal coordination, stating that state child support agencies require reliable enforcement tools to prevent individuals from avoiding their obligations.

"A child who needs support today will have a State Department that is picking up the phone and taking action without undue delay," he said.

The measure is designed to reinforce accountability while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers who often compensate for unpaid child support through public assistance programs.

With bipartisan backing, the bill signals a renewed push in Congress to tighten enforcement mechanisms and ensure that parents meet their financial responsibilities to their children.