Erik Paulsen: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. I would like to first express my thanks and appreciation as well to the gentlewoman…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. I would like to first express my thanks and appreciation as well to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Brooks), who is bringing this legislation forward, H.R. 1973, of which I am a proud cosponsor. The bill is the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Act. Every year, Mr. Chair, thousands of amateur athletes begin their journey with the goal of one day being able to represent the United States at the Olympics. This journey is often filled with years of dedication, of sacrifice, of multiple setbacks, all in the hopes of rising to the top of their craft. Unfortunately, for some, this journey has also been scarred by sexual abuse, and often this abuse comes from those who are closest to our young athletes. These are the individuals that have been entrusted by families all around the country to look after them, to take care of them, to look after these loved ones during their training. The bill today in the House that we are taking up is a step in the right direction to help ensure that athletes are better protected. It requires mandatory and immediate reporting of incidents of child sexual abuse to both local and Federal law enforcement. No organization should be able to stand idly by when a child is placed in harm's way and becomes a victim. The bill also directs our amateur athletic governing bodies to develop and implement rigorous training and oversight practices to prevent abuse of athletes in the future. Mr.…”