Political Quotes

“Madam President, I rise to join my colleague, the senior Senator from Illinois and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Durbin, in introducing the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2023. This bill would update and reauthorize Runaway and Homeless Youth Act programs, which have provided lifesaving services and housing for America's homeless youth for nearly half a century. Homelessness is affecting youth in truly staggering numbers. According to the National Network for Youth, an estimated 4.2 million young people experience homelessness at some point each year. Some of these youth may be away from home for a few nights, while others have been living on the streets for years. No area of this country is immune from the scourge of homelessness, as it affects rural and urban communities alike. Tragically, runaway and homeless youth are at high risk of victimization, abuse, criminal activity, and even death. This population is at greater risk of suicide, unintended pregnancy, and substance abuse. Many are unable to continue with school and are more likely to enter our juvenile criminal justice system. The reality is that available data likely underestimate the scale and consequences of this problem. I have met with teachers, social workers, and others from Maine who work directly with young people experiencing homelessness, and I have talked with homeless teens to learn from their experiences.…”