Political Quotes

“as another polar vortex bears down on States across the country this week, we must consider how the dropping temperatures across the Nation will impact those who do not have refuge from the cold. The issue of homelessness is especially urgent in places like my home State of Vermont. For those of us lucky enough to have warm homes, winter brings a magical beauty. But for those without shelter, the cold nights can be deadly. Unfortunately, for homeless teens, winter can also mean even greater vulnerability to being victimized by human traffickers. That is why we must pass the Leahy-Collins Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act today. This should be unanimous. We are talking about helping homeless children and victims of human trafficking. There is no good reason to oppose this measure. The programs supported by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program provide essential resources to homeless children who need our help. Amanda, for example, is an 18-year-old living in Bellows Falls, VT, and participating in the Transitional Living Program at the Youth Services of Windham County. Amanda's mother gave her and her four siblings up for adoption when she was 2. When she was 13, her adoptive mother died of a stroke. Amanda was devastated, suffered academically, and eventually dropped out of school, then struggled with substance abuse and became homeless.…”