Klobuchar-sponsored adoption changes pass U.S. Senate

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar says two key changes in international adoption law have passed the Senate, and she expects quick approval by the House and by the president.

Klobuchar sponsored a provision to allow children to be vaccinated in the U.S. up to a month after they arrive, rather than waiting for immunizations before they can be adopted. She said that would also make sure kids get effective vaccines.

Another change would allow children from ages 16 to 18 to be adopted with younger siblings, rather than splitting up families. Klobuchar said existing law stops adoptions at 16.

"So these are two important fixes to international adoptions that were really becoming a problem," Klobuchar said. "Just to see these pictures of these families with maybe one older kid who's 16 years old with the two siblings and to think they won't be torn apart and they'll all be able to come over together, is a really rewarding thing."

Klobuchar said the law could help a Minnesota family hoping to adopt nine Fillipino orphans.