Political Quotes

“The Stopping Abusive Female Exploitation, or ``SAFE,'' Act addresses the internationally-recognized human rights violation of female genital mutilation (FGM). The Center for Disease Control estimates that approximately 500,000 women and girls in the US have undergone the procedure or are at risk of having it inflicted upon them, and it has only grown in prevalence over the last two decades. FGM provides no health benefits for women and girls, and has long- lasting and harmful physical and psychological consequences. While FGM is rightly a federal crime under current law, the current penalty is insufficient. It does not reflect the barbaric and medieval nature of the crime; nor does it reflect the harm caused to these young girls. That is why we are considering the SAFE Act today. As a father and grandfather, I can think of no more important work than protecting our children from those who seek to do them harm. I commend Representative Dave Trott, an alumnus of this Committee, and Representative Carolyn Maloney, for introducing the SAFE Act and for their tireless efforts on behalf of FGM victims. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Rutherford) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3317, as amended. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore.…”