Patrick Leahy: “I offer a modified amendment that will provide an additional $15 million for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America so the…”

“I offer a modified amendment that will provide an additional $15 million for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America so the Clubs can continue to help our Nation's children become productive, law abiding teenagers and contributing adults. We have a responsibility to make sure that our children are safe and secure. I know firsthand how well Boys and Girls Clubs work and what topnotch organizations they are. When I was a prosecutor in Vermont, I was convinced of the great need for Boys and Girls Clubs because we rarely encountered children from these kinds of programs in criminal activity. In fact, after I became a U.S. Senator, a police chief was such a big fan of the work of the Boys and Girls Clubs, that he asked me to help fund a club in his district rather than helping him secure funding for a couple more police officers. In Vermont, Boys and Girls Clubs have succeeded in preventing crime and supporting our children. The first Club was established in Burlington 63 years ago. Now we have 6 clubs in Vermont and 25 other locations throughout the State managed by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. These clubs serve well over 10,000 kids statewide. In a small State such as mine, that is a significant number. I had a terrific visit last month at the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington, VT, and was approached by parents, educators, law enforcement officers and others who told me: Keep doing this.”