On the recordFebruary 28, 2011
Just last week in Houston, Texas, in a private home called Jackie's Day Care, seven babies under 3 years old were subjected to an horrific inferno; a fire. As the caretaker or the owner of this child care facility and as the facts unfold that we believe Federal funding was involved, first there was a representation that she was in the home and had fainted. But over the last 72 hours it was determined that she had gone to the grocery store. Four babies are dead. Two are in a burn unit. And one is fighting for his life in another facility. I am standing here today--my voice can be heard--to first of all say how many people need day care and have to subject themselves to these kinds of homes. She was 22. Maybe she cared for the children. But right now she has fled the country. I am asking Ms. Tata to return. I am asking her family members to return so that she can receive justice and so these families can heal. This is not the way to address your responsibility. Four families are burying babies who would have had wonderful futures, who simply attempted to work and have a place safe and secure for them to be. Now they are dead. Ms. Tata, you're 22 years old. Come back to this country and get in line for the justice you deserve. We are coming after you.
