This was the scene on Capitol Hill yesterday, where the ever passionate and wry-humored Rosie O’Donnell spoke out in support of foster youth and new legislation unveiled by Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana.

The media event was organized by Senator Landrieu’s office in support of The Foster Care Mentoring Act of 2009, which she is co-sponsoring with Senator Evan Bayh (D-Indiana), Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-New York), and Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Arkansas). Lifetime Networks also had a big hand in the proceedings to promote “America,” a film on foster care that Rosie O’Donnell produced and stars in.

Below, OFA Deputy Director Tina Raheem and Senator Landrieu flanked Shalita O’Neale, a former foster youth and OFA alumnus who shared heartfelt comments at the press conference.

“We’re hoping to get a lot of support and draw attention to the fact that there’s 500,000 kids out there who need help,” Rosie said.

Asked if she was receiving a favorable reaction from senators, she added, “It’s my first time here – I guess it’s favorable. Do people throw fruit usually? Everybody’s been nice. It’s not like when you fight for gun control, where there’s an active lobby against it. There’s no lobby against foster care, I’m happy to say.”

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