Sheila Jackson Lee: “This bill was inspired by the heroic testimony of gymnast and survivor McKayla Maroney, who came before Congress to…”

“This bill was inspired by the heroic testimony of gymnast and survivor McKayla Maroney, who came before Congress to share a story of the abuse she and more than 100 others faced at the hands of Larry Nassar. McKayla told Congress that when she was asked to speak to the FBI about Nassar's abuse, she told them everything, she poured her heart out to them. She spoke to FBI agents over the phone for 3 hours. Can you imagine how painful that was, as she sat on the floor of her bedroom recounting details of molestation--information she had not shared with her mother? She wanted to make a difference. She wanted to protect others. She said it was the most uncomfortable conversation that she ever had in her life. But she thought as uncomfortable as it was, she was making a difference and, hopefully, protecting others from the same abuse. She thought and trusted that they would act quickly for the sake of the other girls. She waited and waited and waited and heard nothing. They did nothing. {time} 1445 We know now that the FBI's failure to listen to McKayla and other survivors allowed Nassar to continue his abuse, his torture of these young, beautiful women and continue to molest them. Our outstanding athletes who we cheer and are so proud when we are looking at the Olympics, look what they had to suffer. These young women made great sacrifices to pursue their sport and represent the best of their country.…”