Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today in proud support of the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, a bill that will help protect children from abuse and neglect. Across our country, more than 670,000 children were reported to be victims of child abuse or neglect. In 2016, almost 1,500 children in the United States died as a result of abuse or neglect. It is past time for us to act to prevent child abuse and neglect. That is why, earlier this month, I introduced the Speak Up to Protect Every Abused Kid Act. I am proud that portions of the Speak Up Act are included in the Stronger CAPTA Act. The Speak Up Act would take commonsense steps to increase reporting of child abuse or neglect by requiring States to implement a consistent standard for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. The Speak Up Act would require individuals with professional responsibilities over children to report suspected child abuse and neglect directly to State authorities. We have heard too many stories of children being abused or neglected and not getting the help they need because adults do not report it to the proper authorities. I was proud to support the Stronger CAPTA Act in the Education and Labor Committee, and I am proud to vote for it on the floor today. I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this important bill.”