Senators Demand Answers on Missing Children, Office of Refugee Resettlement and Head Start Disruptions

Senators told the HELP Committee they remain deeply concerned about how children were handled by federal resettlement systems and about recent operational disruptions that have affected Head Start programs.

Senator Moody recounted grand-jury findings and state investigations alleging that some children placed through the Office of Refugee Resettlement were in “dangerous situations” and that state authorities were left without sufficient information. Moody asked O'Neil what he would do to prevent trafficking and to remedy regulations that ‘‘facilitated the government basically becoming traffickers of children.’’

O'Neil said he worked with ORR in the Bush administration on anti‑trafficking efforts and that, if confirmed, he would review regulations governing ORR and other rules that could affect missing or trafficked children. He said the deputy secretary role often focuses on regulations and that he would ‘‘absolutely review all the regulations pertaining to ORR’’ if confirmed.

Senator Alsobrooks and others pressed O'Neil on Head Start after program funding freezes and delays left providers unable to access portals and worried about payroll. O'Neil said he was not currently in the department, had not been part of reorganization or budget discussions, and pledged, if confirmed, to ensure payroll and awards are paid on time and to correct department errors.

Senators said they would follow up with written questions and monitor staffing levels in regional offices that oversee child-care and family-support programs.