Nick Lampson: “April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Communities that care about their children and families can and do work…”

“April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Communities that care about their children and families can and do work together to find solutions to tough problems. It is because of the partnership of a community in my district and a community in another county that I come before you today. The Talmud says that he who saves one life saves the world entire. On April 13, nine-year-old Amber from Webster, Texas, was abducted and sexually assaulted. Within 24 hours after her abduction, Amber was found, and the assailant was placed into custody by the Harrison County Deputy Sheriff, Claire Martinez. Today, I would like to commend the Friendswood Police Department and Deputy Martinez for their great work in apprehending the suspect. Within minutes after Amber's mother reported the abduction, the Webster and Friendswood Police Departments quickly organized themselves and responded to the situation. The result is that nine-year-old Amber is still alive. If the Friendswood Police Department had not developed a procedure for dealing with abductions, the result may have been quite different. The response by these agencies is commendable, needs to be a model throughout the Nation. I would ask that Members wear these little blue ribbons today.”