On the recordApril 10, 2018
Let me thank the two original cosponsors of this legislation, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Murphy), for their leadership. As technology advances, we are faced with more and more challenges. It is important to note that, among female victims of stalking, an estimated 16.3 percent were first stalked before the age of 18, and an estimated 3.5 percent between the ages of 11 and 17. Of the male stalking victims, an estimated 20.5 percent first experienced stalking before the age of 18--this is clearly legislation that is needed--while 16.2 percent were first stalked before the age of 11 and 17. This underlying bill is to help protect our children. This legislation does not require mandatory minimums. This sentencing that has been included is at the discretion of the judge, but as we reckon with the question of privacy, cybersecurity, protecting our children from bullying, this legislation is very important to move us one step forward to provide a safe place of learning and also a place of quality as our children grow in this Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask for support of the underlying bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
