Lois Frankel: “I thank my colleague for yielding. Today, I rise as the proud cosponsor of this important legislation with my friend and…”

“I thank my colleague for yielding. Today, I rise as the proud cosponsor of this important legislation with my friend and colleague from Indiana, Susan Brooks. I want to thank her for her work on this, the Judiciary leadership, and, of course, Senator Diane Feinstein. Mr. Chair, imagine you are a 10-year-old girl and you have a dream. Your dream is to stand on the podium at a summer Olympics with a medal around your neck, and you are saluting the American flag. You are willing to do a lot for that. You are willing to give up all the kinds of things that little girls like to do in their youth. You are willing to spend hours practicing your skills, to get bumps and bruises, but it doesn't stop you. Your parents trust your dream to a coach you call ``Grandpa.'' Here is the thing: Your dream becomes a nightmare. The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Act comes after devastating reports that at least 368 gymnasts have been sexually abused by their coaches and trainers over the course of 20 years. It is almost unimaginable. Although USA Gymnastics received allegations of abuse, they turned a blind eye. Why? Because it was more important to them to win medals and protect their star coaches. We have read and heard lots of stories. I am going to give you an example of one, while trying to protect the confidentiality.…”