Patrick Leahy: “I note that what has happened here is an idea which has come from the Senator from Texas and the Senator from…”

“I note that what has happened here is an idea which has come from the Senator from Texas and the Senator from California, who have worked together in a bipartisan fashion. Actually, this is a nonpartisan issue. They are both parents. The Senator from Texas knows how much I admire her work as a parent, as I do the Senator from California. Whether or not you are a parent, the most terrifying experience is for a child to be suddenly missing, especially if foul play is involved. This comes into play in a case where, much as you hate to suspect there may be foul play, there may well be. If you can return one child--one child--to the parents, look at what you have done. If you can return hundreds, which is the potential with this legislation, look how much more you have done.”