Orrin Hatch: “this summer we were all devastated by the repeated news flashes reporting violent crimes against children across our…”

“this summer we were all devastated by the repeated news flashes reporting violent crimes against children across our Nation. In June, Elizabeth Smart, a 14 year old from my home town of Salt Lake City, UT, was kidnapped at gun point from her home. To date, neither Elizabeth nor her abductor has been found. In July, five-year-old Samantha Runnion was kidnapped while playing with a neighborhood friend down the street from her home in Stanton, CA. The following day, her body was found along a highway, nearly 50 miles from her home. California authorities have charged a man, who reportedly was acquitted just 2 years ago of molesting two girls under the age of 14, with Runnion's abduction, sexual assault and murder. Elizabeth Smart and Samantha Runnion are just two, among many, recent child victims. The list of tragic cases goes on and on. These horrific incidents illustrate the need for comprehensive legislation, at both the State and national level, to protect our children.”