Tom Harkin: “I am delighted to reauthorize the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, Family Violence Prevention and Services Act…”

“I am delighted to reauthorize the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, the Adoption Opportunity Act and the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act as we celebrate the congressional legacy of the distinguished senior Senator from Connecticut. Children and families will benefit from these and improvements in the system designed to prevent and serve victims of child abuse and neglect, as well as family, domestic, and dating violence. The legislation that was just passed and is being sent to the President is a step forward in improving child safety and strengthening critical services for children and families. At a time when there is little talk of successful bipartisan effort in Congress, this legislation is a reflection of changes we are able to make on behalf of American citizens when we work together, to do better for our Nation's children and families. The need for this reauthorization is real. In my home State of Iowa, after a 2-year drop, the rates of child abuse rose 11 percent in 2009.”