Ted Poe: “Last week I was joined in the House gallery by five incredible young women. Each of them has their own story of…”

“Last week I was joined in the House gallery by five incredible young women. Each of them has their own story of survival. Each was sexually assaulted while in college. They call themselves the 12th Woman. Mr. Speaker, one in five women will be sexually assaulted while in college in the United States. Sexual assault is a crime that tries to steal the dignity, self-respect, and humanity of the victim. Mr. Speaker, the 12th Woman has something to say about that. They came to Congress and publicly told their heartbreaking stories on the steps of our Capitol, demanding change not only at their own school, Texas A&M, but nationwide. These ladies are determined not only to be survivors, but victors over their assault. Mr. Speaker, my grandmother taught me that there is no stopping a bold, tenacious, Texas woman who has made up her mind. Abbie, Meghan, Sydney, Kirsten, and Nikki have made up their minds with unwavering resolve that sexual assault on campus will stop. And that is just the way it is. ____________________”