United States · Law · HR
H.R. 2909 (106th)
Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000
Introduced
22 September 1999
Last action
6 October 2000 · President
Status
Became Public Law No: 106-279.
Sponsors
Rep. Gilman, Benjamin A. [R-NY-20], Rep. Camp, Dave [R-MI-4], Rep. Delahunt, William D. [D-MA-10], Rep. Gejdenson, Sam [D-CT-2], Rep. Bliley, Tom [R-VA-7], Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Pomeroy, Earl [D-ND-At Large], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Barrett, Thomas M. [D-WI-5], Rep. English, Phil [R-PA-3], Rep. Farr, Sam [D-CA-20], Rep. Horn, Stephen [R-CA-38], Rep. Forbes, Michael P. [D-NY-1], Rep. Ramstad, Jim [R-MN-3], Rep. Mink, Patsy T. [D-HI-2], Rep. Johnson, Nancy L. [R-CT-5], Rep. Capuano, Michael E. [D-MA-8], Rep. Frost, Martin [D-TX-24], Rep. Porter, John Edward [R-IL-10], Rep. Barcia, James A. [D-MI-5], Rep. Burton, Dan [R-IN-5], Del. Underwood, Robert A. [D-GU-At Large], Rep. Cooksey, John [R-LA-5], Rep. Hastings, Alcee L. [D-FL-20], Rep. Barrett, Bill [R-NE-3], Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21], Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [R-FL-27], Rep. Greenwood, James C. [R-PA-8], Rep. Ackerman, Gary L. [D-NY-5], Rep. Berman, Howard L. [D-CA-28], Rep. Davis, Jim [D-FL-11], Rep. Stupak, Bart [D-MI-1], Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD], Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-18], Rep. Lantos, Tom [D-CA-12], Rep. Blumenauer, Earl [D-OR-3], Rep. Wamp, Zach [R-TN-3], Rep. DeFazio, Peter A. [D-OR-4], Rep. Pryce, Deborah [R-OH-15], Rep. Wu, David [D-OR-1], Rep. Wexler, Robert [D-FL-19], Rep. Radanovich, George [R-CA-19], Rep. Luther, Bill [D-MN-6], Rep. Foley, Mark [R-FL-16], Rep. Woolsey, Lynn C. [D-CA-6], Rep. Waxman, Henry A. [D-CA-33], Sen. Udall, Tom [D-NM]
Subjects
Immigration
Source updated
21 July 2025
Summary
Intercountry Adoption Act of 1999 - Title I: United States Central Authority - Requires the Department of State through the Secretary of State to serve as the central authority of the United States with respect to implementation of the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption done at the Hague on May 29, 1993. Outlines responsibilities of the Secretary of State, including liaison, information exchange, and other coordination activities relating to the Convention. (Sec. 103) Requires the Attorney General to be responsible for the filing of applications by prospective adoptive parents to the central authority of their country of residence. (Sec. 104) Requires annual reports from the Secretary of State to Congress describing activities of the U.S. central authority during the previous year. Title II: Provisions Relating to Accreditation and Approval -Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to carry out functions prescribed by the Convention with respect to the accreditation of agencies and the approval of persons to provide adoption services in the United States. (Sec. 202) Prohibits a person, with specified exceptions, from offering or providing an adoption service in connection with a Convention adoption in the United States unless that person is accredited under this title, or is providing such service through or under the supervision and responsibility of an accredited person. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with one or more qualified entities that will provide for the accreditation of agencies, and approval of persons, to provide adoption services in the United States in cases subject to the Convention. Requires such entities to undertake related oversight, enforcement, and information collection activities. Sets forth procedures for an agency or person to reapply for accreditation as a result of an adverse action by an accrediting entity. Provides for the judicial review of such actions. Allows fees to be charged against agencies or persons seeking accreditation for Convention intercountry adoptions. Outlines accreditation standards and procedures. (Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary to: (1) monitor each entity's performance of accrediting duties and compliance with the Convention and other applicable laws and regulations; and (2) suspend or cancel the accreditation of an agency or person found to be substantially out of compliance with applicable requirements, and the accrediting entity has failed or refused to take appropriate corrective action. Authorizes the Secretary to debar an agency or person from accreditation, under certain conditions. Provides judicial review of the Secretary's decisions under this section. (Sec. 206) Authorizes appropriations, limited to the amount of fees collected by accrediting entities. Title III: Recognition of Convention Adoptions in the United States - Directs the Secretary, with respect to each Convention adoption, to issue a certificate to the adoptive citizen parent domiciled in the United States recognizing the legal effect, for purposes of emigration and adoption, of a Convention adoption, as long as the Secretary has received appropriate documentation from the central authority of the child's country of origin, and has verified that other requirements of this Act have been met with respect to adoption. Provides for U.S. recognition of adoptions finalized in other Convention countries. (Sec. 302) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include: (1) under its definition of "child" a child adopted through the Convention; and (2) under its immigration approval procedures a child for whom the Secretary has certified that a U.S. citizen has effected final adoption under the Convention. (Sec. 303) Outlines procedures for the adoption in any other Convention country of a child residing in the United States, requiring certain duties to be performed by an accredited agency or approved person or the prospective parents acting on their own behalf (if so permitted in such country). Prohibits a State court from entering an order declaring such adoption to be final or granting custody for adoption, unless such court: (1) has received and verified that such duties have been performed, as well as evidence that other Convention requirements have been met; and (2) has determined that the adoptive placement is in the child's best interests. (Sec. 304) Prohibits a State court from vacating a final adoption decree entered pursuant to the Convention unless: (1) the decree was granted by a State court; (2) the court finds clear and convincing evidence that adoptive consent was obtained through fraud, duress, or improper inducement by compensation; (3) voiding such adoption is in the best interests of the child; and (4) the adoptive parents are afforded an opportunity to be heard in such proceedings. Recognizes another country's proceedings vacating such adoptions. States that the voiding of such an adoption does not void or prohibit the naturalization of such child as a U.S. citizen. Title IV: Administration and Enforcement - Provides for: (1) the preservation of Convention adoption records; (2) the nondisclosure of identifying information contained in such records (except to the extent necessary to administer the Convention or this Act); and (3) recognition of Convention documents of other countries. (Sec. 403) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 404) Provides civil penalties and other enforcement procedures for violations of this Act. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions with respect to the recognition of Convention adoptions. (Sec. 502) Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish by regulation alternative procedures for the adoption of children by individuals related to them by blood or marriage in cases subject to the Convention. (Sec. 503) States that the Convention and this Act shall have no effect on: (1) State law; or (2) provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act.
This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.
Timeline
22 September 1999
Introduced
Introduced in House
Source: IntroReferral
22 September 1999
Introduced
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1930)
Source: IntroReferral
22 September 1999
Introduced
Introduced in House
Source: IntroReferral
22 September 1999
Introduced
Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Source: IntroReferral
22 September 1999
Introduced
Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Source: IntroReferral
4 October 1999
Referred
Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims.
Source: Committee
14 October 1999
Committee
Committee Hearings Held.
Source: Committee
22 March 2000
Vote
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 0.
Source: Committee
22 March 2000
Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Source: Committee
22 June 2000
Discharge
Committee on Judiciary discharged.
Source: Discharge
22 June 2000
Calendars
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 387.
Source: Calendars
22 June 2000
Committee
Committee on Judiciary discharged.
Source: Committee
22 June 2000
Introduced
House Committee on Judiciary Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than June 22, 2000.
Source: IntroReferral
22 June 2000
Introduced
Referred sequentially to the House Committee on Ways and Means for a period ending not later than June 22, 2000 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of that committee pursuant to clause 1(s), rule X.
Source: IntroReferral
22 June 2000
Reported
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on International Relations. H. Rept. 106-691, Part I.
Source: Committee
22 June 2000
Reported
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on International Relations. H. Rept. 106-691, Part I.
Source: Committee
18 July 2000
Passed
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Source: Floor
18 July 2000
Passed
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6389-6394)
Source: Floor
18 July 2000
Passed
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H6389-6394)
Source: Floor
18 July 2000
Floor
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2909.
Source: Floor
18 July 2000
Floor
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6389-6399)
Source: Floor
18 July 2000
Floor
Mr. Gilman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Source: Floor
19 July 2000
Introduced
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 692.
Source: Calendars
27 July 2000
Floor
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S7751-7752)
Source: Floor
27 July 2000
Passed
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Source: Floor
18 September 2000
Passed
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
18 September 2000
Passed
On motion that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H7690-7695; text: CR H7690-7694)
Source: ResolvingDifferences
18 September 2000
Passed
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection.(consideration: CR H7690-7695; text: CR H7690-7694)
Source: NotUsed
18 September 2000
Floor
DEBATE - The House proceeded with debate under a reservation of objection. At the conclusion of debate, the reservation was withdrawn.
Source: Floor
18 September 2000
ResolvingDifferences
Mr. Gilman asked unanimous consent that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
19 September 2000
Floor
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate amendment.
Source: Floor
20 September 2000
Passed
Senate agreed to House amendment to Senate amendment by Unanimous Consent Vote. (consideration: CR S8866; text as Senate agreed to House amendment: CR S8866)
Source: ResolvingDifferences
20 September 2000
Passed
Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed to House amendment to Senate amendment by Unanimous Consent Vote.(consideration: CR S8866; text as Senate agreed to House amendment: CR S8866)
Source: NotUsed
21 September 2000
Floor
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Source: Floor
26 September 2000
Floor
Presented to President.
Source: Floor
26 September 2000
President
Presented to President.
Source: President
6 October 2000
Became law
Became Public Law No: 106-279.
Source: President
6 October 2000
Became law
Signed by President.
Source: BecameLaw
6 October 2000
President
Signed by President.
Source: President
Votes
No vote records are attached yet.
Versions
- Enrolled Bill · — · Download file
- Public Law · 6 October 2000 · Download file
- Engrossed Amendment House · 18 September 2000 · Download file
- Engrossed Amendment Senate · 28 July 2000 · Download file
- Placed on Calendar Senate · 19 July 2000 · Download file
- Engrossed in House · 18 July 2000 · Download file
- Reported in House · 22 June 2000 · Download file
- Introduced in House · 22 September 1999 · Download file
Documents
19 official files
Enrolled Bill (text)
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Enrolled Bill (text)
Enrolled Bill · EN
Enrolled Bill (PDF)
Enrolled Bill · EN
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Public Law (text)
Public Law · EN · 6 October 2000
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Public Law (PDF)
Public Law · EN · 6 October 2000
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Engrossed Amendment House (text)
Engrossed Amendment House · EN · 18 September 2000
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Engrossed Amendment House (PDF)
Engrossed Amendment House · EN · 18 September 2000
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House agreed to Senate amendment with amendment
summary · EN · 18 September 2000
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Engrossed Amendment Senate (text)
Engrossed Amendment Senate · EN · 28 July 2000
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Engrossed Amendment Senate (PDF)
Engrossed Amendment Senate · EN · 28 July 2000
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Passed Senate amended
summary · EN · 27 July 2000
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Placed on Calendar Senate (text)
Placed on Calendar Senate · EN · 19 July 2000
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Placed on Calendar Senate (PDF)
Placed on Calendar Senate · EN · 19 July 2000
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Engrossed in House (text)
Engrossed in House · EN · 18 July 2000
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Engrossed in House (PDF)
Engrossed in House · EN · 18 July 2000
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Reported in House (text)
Reported in House · EN · 22 June 2000
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Reported in House (PDF)
Reported in House · EN · 22 June 2000
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Introduced in House (text)
Introduced in House · EN · 22 September 1999
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Introduced in House (PDF)
Introduced in House · EN · 22 September 1999
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Introduced in House
summary · EN · 22 September 1999
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Sponsors
- Rep. Gilman, Benjamin A. [R-NY-20] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Camp, Dave [R-MI-4] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Delahunt, William D. [D-MA-10] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Gejdenson, Sam [D-CT-2] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Bliley, Tom [R-VA-7] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Pomeroy, Earl [D-ND-At Large] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Barrett, Thomas M. [D-WI-5] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. English, Phil [R-PA-3] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Farr, Sam [D-CA-20] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Horn, Stephen [R-CA-38] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Forbes, Michael P. [D-NY-1] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Ramstad, Jim [R-MN-3] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Mink, Patsy T. [D-HI-2] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Johnson, Nancy L. [R-CT-5] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Capuano, Michael E. [D-MA-8] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Frost, Martin [D-TX-24] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Porter, John Edward [R-IL-10] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Barcia, James A. [D-MI-5] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Burton, Dan [R-IN-5] · R · Sponsor
- Del. Underwood, Robert A. [D-GU-At Large] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Cooksey, John [R-LA-5] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Hastings, Alcee L. [D-FL-20] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Barrett, Bill [R-NE-3] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [R-FL-27] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Greenwood, James C. [R-PA-8] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Ackerman, Gary L. [D-NY-5] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Berman, Howard L. [D-CA-28] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Davis, Jim [D-FL-11] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Stupak, Bart [D-MI-1] · D · Sponsor
- Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-18] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Lantos, Tom [D-CA-12] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Blumenauer, Earl [D-OR-3] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Wamp, Zach [R-TN-3] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. DeFazio, Peter A. [D-OR-4] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Pryce, Deborah [R-OH-15] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Wu, David [D-OR-1] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Wexler, Robert [D-FL-19] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Radanovich, George [R-CA-19] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Luther, Bill [D-MN-6] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Foley, Mark [R-FL-16] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Woolsey, Lynn C. [D-CA-6] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Waxman, Henry A. [D-CA-33] · D · Cosponsor
- Sen. Udall, Tom [D-NM] · D · Cosponsor
Showing 48 of 56 sponsors and actors.
Related records
- related to → Intercountry Adoption Convention Implementation Act of 1999
- related to ← Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000
- amends ← To provide a substitute text.
Related across the Repo ecosystem
Direct relationships are identifier-backed. Topic context means shared TopicMembership — not a citation and not causation.
Direct relationships
- Legal framework · Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 · H.R. 2909 (106th) · US
- Identifier matchPROJECTS_FROM
Same us record 106-hr-2909 projected from PoliticalRepo US row.
Sources
PoliticalRepo is an index and interpretation layer, not the authoritative legal source.
- Official source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/106th-congress/house-bill/2909
- Open data entity: https://api.congress.gov/v3/bill/106/hr/2909
- us · 106-hr-2909 · source updated 21 July 2025