Sheila Jackson Lee: “I want to thank Mr. Poe for his longstanding work on these issues, the two House cosponsors, and the Senator, and I want…”

“I want to thank Mr. Poe for his longstanding work on these issues, the two House cosponsors, and the Senator, and I want to end with, with that volcanic action, there was no reaction, a deafening silence. Let us, with the passage of this bill, begin the journey of commitment, along with our acknowledgment of the Me Too movement that we will never be silent again. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 534, the ``Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Act''. This bill will help prevent the sexual abuse of minors and amateur athletes by requiring the prompt reporting of sexual abuse to law enforcement authorities. This is a reasonable and important measure that is intended to protect young athletes from abuse and preserve the sanctity of sports associated with the U.S. Olympic Committee--the organization responsible for preparing and training young athletes who might one day represent our Nation competitively all over the world. Children deserve to fully enjoy the innocence of their youth--by exploring the curiosities of the world, taking pleasure in the arts, and participating in sports--free from abuse. Sexual abuse of children and youth is an abhorrent practice that is intolerable in any context, and we must take appropriate measures to eliminate it from youth sports. Young people look to adults to protect them and keep them safe. We all have a responsibility to do so. With S. 534, we have an opportunity to ensure that individuals abide by this duty.…”