Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution to condemn all forms of violence against children around the world. I thank my colleagues, Congressman McGovern and Congressman Wilson, for introducing this resolution and for their work to address this very important issue. Mr. Speaker, more than 1 billion children around the world are victims of violence each year. Violence, exploitation, and abuse take many forms and disproportionately affect children in the most vulnerable populations, including those in refugee settlements and conflict zones. These traumatic experiences have serious and long-lasting effects on children's psychological, physical, and social development. But the negative consequences of violence against children spread far beyond individuals and families. When children are prevented from reaching their full potential, nations suffer severe political and economic setbacks. The United States has been a global leader in prioritizing programs to support the health and well-being of children around the world through our foreign assistance programs, but we can always do more. This resolution encourages the development of a coordinated and evidence-based U.S. strategy to prevent, address, and end this abuse. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.”