H356 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2000 This is literally a matter of life and death for (A) all Americans should keep these vic- b 1430 tens of thousands of Americans each year. timized children in their thoughts and pray- Of course, we can never put a price Given the enormity of these issues, we have ers; (B) all Americans should seek to break this on the countless dreams and aspira- an obligation to work together to address cycle of abuse and neglect, and give our chil- tions of the innocent youth that are these concerns on a bipartisan basis. I was dren hope for the future; and extinguished every year at the hands of pleased to join my Florida colleague, Mrs. (C) the faith community, nonprofit organi- a child abuser. Since 1959, Childhelp THURMAN, as a cosponsor of this resolution, zations, and volunteers across America USA has led the charge against child and I applaud her commitment to this cause. should recommit themselves and mobilize abuse and neglect. Started in Clearly, the solution to this complicated their resources to assist these children; and Scotsdale, Arizona, Childhelp USA pro- problem is not entirely legislative. By working (2) the Congress— vides critical social, medical, and edu- to increase public awareness about the need (A) supports the goals and ideas of the ‘‘Day of Hope’’; and cational services to abused and ne- for organ donations, we can all save lives. The (B) commends Childhelp USA for its efforts glected children. Over the years, they resolution before us represents an important on behalf of abused and neglected children have helped literally thousands of step toward achieving that goal, and I whole- everywhere. abused and neglected children escape heartedly support its passage. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- abusive situations. Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I see ant to the rule, the gentleman from Ar- Childhelp USA’s commitment to chil- no other Member asking for time. I izona (Mr. SALMON) and the gentleman dren does not end there. When I intro- just would like again to encourage all from Wisconsin (Mr. KIND) each will duced legislation to keep murderers, of my colleagues to vote for and sup- control 20 minutes. rapists, and child molesters locked up port this bill. It does save lives. We all The Chair recognizes the gentleman in prison, also known as Aimee’s Law, know so many different personal tales. from Arizona (Mr. SALMON). I turned to Childhelp USA for support I urge that we adopt it quickly. Mr. SALMON. Madam Speaker, I and help. I have to tell the Members Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- yield myself such time as I may con- that their hard work and dedication ance of my time. sume. were vital to the successful effort to The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of pass Aimee’s Law, both in the House MORELLA). The question is on the mo- H. Con. Res. 76, a Sense of Congress and Senate. tion offered by the gentleman from recognizing the problem of child abuse Although Aimee’s Law has been held Michigan (Mr. UPTON) that the House and neglect. up as part of the juvenile justice bill, I suspend the rules and agree to the con- Specifically, my resolution expresses am confident that I can rely on current resolution, H. Con. Res. 247. the sense of Congress that, number Childhelp USA’s support as I join with The question was taken. one, all Americans should keep abused other advocates of victims’ rights to Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, on that and victimized children in their enact this legislation. I demand the yeas and nays. Aimee’s Law will finally put a stop thoughts and prayers. Number two, all The yeas and nays were ordered. to the parade of murderers and sex of- Americans should seek to break the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- fenders that march out of our prisons cycle of abuse and neglect. And number ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the every year, only to brutalize innocent three, that the faith community, non- Chair’s prior announcement, further people one more time. By doing so, it profit organizations, and volunteers proceedings on this motion will be will protect literally thousands of peo- across America should recommit them- postponed. ple every year, many of them children, selves and mobilize their resources to from being victimized by a repeat of- f assist abused and neglected children. fender. RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING In addition, the resolution states Therefore, as we approach the month EFFORTS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC that Congress supports the goals and of April, which is Child Abuse Preven- AWARENESS OF SOCIAL PROB- ideas with a Day of Hope to be observed tion Month, it is only fitting that we LEM OF CHILD ABUSE AND NE- on the first Wednesday in April and recognize Childhelp USA for their car- GLECT commence Child Help, USA, for its ef- ing efforts to end child abuse. Hope- forts on behalf of abused and neglected Mr. SALMON. Madam Speaker, I fully, their shining example will in- children everywhere. move to suspend the rules and agree to spire more Americans to fight to end The need for this resolution is clear. the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. this terrible scourge. It is estimated that more than 3 mil- 76) recognizing the social problem of Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- lion American children are reported as child abuse and neglect, and supporting ance of my time. suspected victims of child abuse and efforts to enhance public awareness of Mr. KIND. Madam Speaker, I yield neglect annually. More than 500,000 it. myself such time as I may consume. children, American children, are un- The Clerk read as follows: Madam Speaker, today I rise in sup- able to live safely within their families port of this resolution and commend H. CON. RES. 76 and are placed in foster care or other my good friend, the gentleman from Whereas more than 3,000,000 American chil- institutions. Furthermore, it is esti- Arizona, for bringing the resolution to dren are reported as suspected victims of mated that more than 1,000 children, 78 child abuse and neglect annually; the floor today. Whereas more than 500,000 American chil- percent under the age of 5 and 38 per- I also commend the group Childhelp dren are unable to live safely with their fam- cent under the age of 1, die as a direct USA for initiating a ‘‘Day of Hope’’ to ilies and are placed in foster homes and in- result of abuse and neglect every year be observed on the first Wednesday of stitutions; in America. April during Child Abuse Prevention Whereas it is estimated that more than At times, the statistics can be over- Month. I applaud this effort to focus 1,000 children, 78 percent under the age of 5 whelming, even desensitizing. But all public awareness on the social ill of and 38 percent under the age of 1, lose their one has to do is look into the eyes of a child abuse and neglect. lives as a direct result of abuse and neglect victim of child abuse to see the misery every year in America; Madam Speaker, on June 1, 1996, Whereas this tragic social problem results that they have endured. Their suffering more than 300,000 Americans gathered in human and economic costs due to its rela- is a painful reminder of our failure as a at the Lincoln Memorial to express in tionship to crime and delinquency, drug and society to provide them with the loving advance this country’s commitment to alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and wel- care that they need and deserve. It also our children in a rally called ‘‘Stand fare dependency; and reminds us of the heavy price that we for Children.’’ Marian Wright Edelman, Whereas Childhelp USA has initiated a pay for abuse and neglected children the President of the Children’s Defense ‘‘Day of Hope’’ to be observed on the first that occurs in our midst every day. Fund and organizer of the rally, gave a Wednesday in April, during Child Abuse Pre- Countless studies have documented the vention Month, to focus public awareness on moving speech which has been memori- this social ill: Now, therefore, be it strong correlation that exists between alized in this illustrated children’s Resolved by the House of Representatives (the child abuse and crime, delinquency, do- book, also named Stand for Children. Senate concurring), That— mestic violence, substance abuse, and In the book, Ms. Wright Edelman (1) it is the sense of the Congress that— welfare dependency. tells the children of our Nation, ‘‘We

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:23 Feb 15, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4636 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE7.010 pfrm02 PsN: H14PT1 February 14, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H357 stood at the Lincoln Memorial as worth and value. Abused children tend The good news is that there are a lot American families and as an American to become isolated, and develop few re- of organizations out there working to community to commit ourselves to lationships and friendships. As they help these children. In my district, or- putting you, our children, first, to grow older, they may become more ganizations such as the Grand Island building a just America that leaves no confrontational and even delinquent, Association for Child Abuse Prevention child behind, and to ensure all of you a ultimately leading to the horrible provide alcohol and drug treatment healthy and safe passage to adult- cycle of becoming abusers themselves. programs and parenting classes to par- hood.’’ The need to address this cycle points ents at risk. She goes on to state, ‘‘Everyone to the importance of this resolution But there is a lot more work to be agreed on one crucial thing: that no today, and the importance of ongoing done. We need to continue to work to- one in America should harm children efforts here at the Federal level to ad- gether to make sure that every child is and that everyone can do more to en- dress the root causes of abuse. protected. To do that, we need to edu- sure that you grow up safe, healthy, I have joined 142 other Members of cate all Americans about how they can and educated, in nurturing families and Congress in the Missing and Exploited help protect our most vulnerable citi- in caring communities.’’ Children’s Caucus, which was founded 3 zens. Madam Speaker, when I as a member years ago. I commend my good friend, Madam Speaker, I urge my col- of this great institution think and de- the gentleman from Texas (Mr. leagues to support this resolution. liberate about the issues that come be- LAMPSON) for showing the initiative Mr. KIND. Madam Speaker, I yield fore us each day, I ask myself one sim- and the foresight and recognizing the myself such time as I may consume. ple question: How will I vote to make need to develop that caucus in Con- Madam Speaker, in reading through Marian Wright Edelman’s book ‘‘Stand this a better society for my two young gress. sons, Johnny, who is 3, and Matthew, One big step we in Congress can take for Children’’ on the way over here today, she was offering some I think who is 1, who are going to grow, live this year is to reauthorize the Violence very helpful recommendations for peo- and learn throughout much of the 21st Against Women Act. Not only does the ple back home who may be paying at- century? legislation offer Federal protection and tention to the problem of child abuse Unfortunately, too many of our Na- assistance to single women and moth- in their communities. I just want to tion’s children are not considered when ers who are victims of domestic vio- reference some of those recommenda- adults make the decisions in their lence, but Title II of the Act is focused tions that she made toward the back of lives. Too often children bear the brunt on limiting the effects of violence on the book. of poor decisions, poor circumstances, children. Several sections of the bill She said, ‘‘Here are some ordinary and poor intentions of the adults in address the abuse of children, both in things you can do to Stand for Chil- their life. providing a safe haven for children, and dren: Hold a yard sale and donate the It is important that Members of the in addressing the effects of domestic proceeds to an after-school program; House, in our positions and with the in- violence situations on children. start a bus token drive at your school fluence of this institution, call con- If we as legislators want to do more for students who cannot afford trans- stant attention to this national prob- to prevent the abuse of children, we portation costs to the school; organize lem, and work tirelessly to break the can pass the Violence Against Women’s a winter coat and shoe drive for chil- cycle of abuse and neglect in the lives Reauthorization Act this year and sup- dren in need, or go through your of these children. port other legislation which actively toybox and donate some toys to an- Before being elected to the House of pursues the safety of children and fam- other child or to a shelter; collect used Representatives, I was a prosecutor ilies. children’s books from your neighbors back in my home State in Wisconsin. Ultimately, this problem of child and donate them to children’s pro- While I find western Wisconsin to be an abuse and neglect will not be solved by grams or a child health clinic; ask your ideal place to live and raise a family, any one action, but by continued vigi- church, synagogue, temple, or mosque we are not immune from the tragedy of lance. As Marian Wright Edelman of- to open the building at night for chil- child abuse. In Wisconsin alone, over fers in her book, ‘‘It is always the right dren in the community who need tutor- 15,000 cases of child abuse or neglect time to do right for children.’’ ing; create a neighborhood garden or are substantiated every year. Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- container garden on your block; write The most difficult cases I prosecuted ance of my time. your State legislators and Governor, were those involving cases of child Mr. SALMON. Madam Speaker, I your representatives in Congress, and abuse and child sexual assault. These yield such time as he may consume to the President to tell them to put chil- cases were difficult not just because the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. dren’s needs first.’’ the victims were vulnerable children, BARRETT). Today I am wearing a button that but because all too often the crimes in- Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska. Madam the Children’s Defense Fund has been volved a breach of a special trust. Chil- Speaker, I thank the gentleman for handing out to draw attention to the dren who are subject to abuse face not yielding time to me. plight of child abuse in our country, Madam Speaker, as a cosponsor of only physical torment and scarring, and also in commemoration of the res- this resolution, I rise in support of but their very belief in family, in soci- olution here today. It says, ‘‘Pick on House Concurrent Resolution 76, to en- ety, and in relationships are altered. someone your own size.’’ I think that hance the public awareness of child These children are frequently victim- pretty well says it all. ized by the very people entrusted with abuse and neglect. In conclusion, I just want to end with their care and upbringing, leaving the Child abuse is certainly a non- a prayer that Marion Wright Edelman children with no one else to turn to. partisan issue. I know that all of my has at the conclusion of her book: The gentleman from Arizona (Mr. colleagues are fighting for abused and ‘‘O God, forgive our rich nation SALMON) and I both sit on the Com- neglected children by promoting legis- where small babies die of cold quite le- mittee on Education and the Work- lation, working with social workers, gally. force, and the devastating effect of teachers, and other health care profes- O God forgive our rich nation, where abuse on a child’s learning ability can- sionals, and educating their constitu- small children suffer from hunger quite not go unstated. Studies have shown ents about the problem. This is an legally. that language skills are greatly im- issue, truly an issue that we can all O God, forgive our rich nation where paired by abuse, both in the child’s agree upon. toddlers and schoolchildren die from ability to process information and to Despite our efforts, I was very dis- guns sold quite legally. express themselves. Academic perform- heartened to learn that in my home O God, forgive our rich nation that ance is hampered greatly by abuse, State of Nebraska there were 2,482 con- lets children be the poorest group of both in language, testing, and mathe- firmed cases of child abuse and neglect citizens quite legally. matics. last year. This number is even more O God, forgive our rich Nation that Equally important is the effect of disturbing because we know that many lets the rich continue to get more at abuse on a child’s sense of self-worth cases go unreported. the expense of the poor quite legally.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:44 Feb 15, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4636 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.020 pfrm02 PsN: H14PT1 H358 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2000 O God, forgive our rich nation that GENERAL LEAVE UPTON) that the House suspend the thinks security relatives in missiles Mr. SALMON. Madam Speaker, I ask rules and agree to the concurrent reso- rather than in mothers, and in bombs unanimous consent that all Members lution, House Concurrent Resolution rather than in babies. may have 5 legislative days within 247, on which the yeas and nays were O God, forgive our rich nation for not which to revise and extend their re- ordered. giving You sufficient thanks by giving marks on House Concurrent Resolution The vote was taken by electronic de- to others their daily bread. 76. vice, and there were—yeas 379, nays 0, O God, help us never to confuse what The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there not voting 55, as follows: is quite legal with what is just and objection to the request of the gen- [Roll No. 16] right in Your sight.’’ tleman from Arizona? YEAS—379 Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I There was no objection. Abercrombie Dickey Johnson, Sam rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 76, and f Ackerman Dicks Jones (NC) I commend Congressman SALMON for intro- Aderholt Dingell Kanjorski ducing it. Every year, over 3 million children RECESS Allen Dixon Kaptur Andrews Doggett Kelly are reported to be abused in America. Unfor- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Archer Dooley Kildee tunately, it is estimated that the actual inci- ant to clause 12 of rule I, the Chair de- Armey Doolittle Kind (WI) Baca Doyle King (NY) dence of abuse and neglect may be 3 times clares the House in recess until ap- greater than the number reported. In fact, we Bachus Dreier Kingston proximately 6:15 p.m. Baker Duncan Kleczka know that more than 3 children die each day Accordingly (at 2 o’clock and 43 min- Baldacci Dunn Knollenberg as a result of parental mistreatment. Child utes p.m.), the House stood in recess Baldwin Ehlers Kolbe abuse may take many forms: it can be phys- Ballenger Engel Kucinich until approximately 6:15 p.m. Barcia English Kuykendall ical, emotional, sexual or as a result of ne- f Barr Eshoo LaFalce glect. I know, because I've been there. Many Barrett (NE) Etheridge LaHood of you know that I personally experienced the b 1816 Barrett (WI) Everett Lantos horrors of domestic violence in my youth. For- Bartlett Ewing Largent AFTER RECESS Barton Farr Larson tunately for me, my mother, and my siblings, Bass Fattah Latham we were able to escape that horrible situation The recess having expired, the House Bateman Filner LaTourette and make a better life for ourselves. was called to order by the Speaker pro Becerra Fletcher Lazio Bentsen Foley Leach Sadly, for millions of children in America tempore (Mrs. BIGGERT) at 6 o’clock Bereuter Forbes Lee that is just not the case. That is why H. Con. and 16 minutes p.m. Berkley Ford Levin Res. 76 is so important. H. Con. Res. 76 ex- f Berman Fossella Lewis (CA) presses the sense of this Congress that all Berry Fowler Lewis (GA) Biggert Frank (MA) Lewis (KY) Americans must share in the responsibility of APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO Bilbray Franks (NJ) Lipinski helping fight child abuse. More than that, it MEXICO-UNITED STATES INTER- Bilirakis Frelinghuysen LoBiondo emphasizes the need for the faith community, PARLIAMENTARY GROUP Bishop Ganske Lofgren Bliley Gejdenson Lucas (KY) non-profit organizations and volunteers across The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Blumenauer Gekas Lucas (OK) America to mobilize their resources in com- objection, and pursuant to the provi- Blunt Gephardt Luther bating child abuse. Organizations, such as the sions of 22 U.S.C. 276h, the Chair an- Boehlert Gilchrest Maloney (CT) Safe Haven Foundation in Indianapolis, are Boehner Gillmor Maloney (NY) nounces the Speaker’s appointment of Bono Gilman Markey key in developing programs and providing the following Member of the House to Borski Gonzalez Martinez shelters to the victims of domestic violence. the Mexico-United States Inter- Boswell Goode Mascara That is why I am proud to have helped secure Boucher Goodlatte Matsui parliamentary Group: Boyd Goodling McCarthy (MO) $500,000 in funds to the Safe Haven Founda- Mr. KOLBE of Arizona, chairman. Brady (TX) Gordon McCarthy (NY) tion, so that it may continue its important ef- There was no objection. Bryant Goss McCrery Burr Green (TX) McDermott forts against domestic violence. f Child abusers can come from any socio- Burton Green (WI) McGovern Buyer Greenwood McHugh economic, religious, or ethnic background, and ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Calvert Gutierrez McInnis since the signs of abuse are varied, we all PRO TEMPORE Camp Gutknecht McIntosh Canady Hall (OH) McIntyre need to work together in identifying cases of Mrs. BIGGERT. Pursuant to clause 8 child abuse. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder Cannon Hall (TX) McKeon of rule XX, the Chair will now put the Capuano Hansen McKinney against child abuse, we can help save the question on each motion to suspend the Cardin Hastings (FL) McNulty lives of those most vulnerable: our Nation's Castle Hastings (WA) Meehan rules on which further proceedings Chabot Hayes Meek (FL) children. were postponed earlier today in the We need to re-commit ourselves to pro- Chambliss Hayworth Meeks (NY) order in which the motion was enter- Chenoweth-Hage Hefley Menendez tecting our children, and this resolution does tained. Clayton Herger Metcalf just that. Let's keep these children in our Clement Hill (IN) Mica Votes will be taken in the following thoughts and prayers, and let's all give H. Clyburn Hill (MT) Millender- order: Coble Hilleary McDonald Con. Res. 76 our strong support. Collins Hilliard Miller (FL) Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- House Concurrent Resolution 247, by the yeas and nays; and Combest Hinchey Miller, Gary ance of my time. Condit Hobson Minge Mr. SALMON. Madam Speaker, I House Concurrent Resolution 76, by Conyers Hoeffel Mink Cook Hoekstra Mollohan have no further requests for time, and the yeas and nays. The Chair will reduce to 5 minutes Cooksey Holden Moore I yield back the balance of my time. Costello Holt Moran (KS) The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. the time for the electronic vote after Cox Hooley Moran (VA) Coyne Horn Morella MORELLA). The question is on the mo- the first such vote in this series. Cramer Hostettler Murtha tion offered by the gentleman from Ar- f Crane Houghton Myrick izona (Mr. SALMON) that the House sus- Crowley Hoyer Nadler NATIONAL DONOR DAY pend the rules and agree to the concur- Cubin Hulshof Napolitano The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Cummings Hunter Nethercutt rent resolution, H. Con. Res. 76. Cunningham Hutchinson Ney The question was taken. pending business is the question of sus- Danner Hyde Northup Mr. SALMON. Madam Speaker, on pending the rules and agreeing to the Davis (FL) Inslee Nussle that I demand the yeas and nays. concurrent resolution, House Concur- Davis (IL) Isakson Oberstar Davis (VA) Istook Obey The yeas and nays were ordered. rent Resolution 247. Deal Jackson (IL) Olver The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The Clerk read the title of the con- DeGette Jackson-Lee Ortiz ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the current resolution. Delahunt (TX) Ose Chair’s prior announcement, further The SPEAKER pro tempore. The DeLauro Jenkins Packard DeLay John Pallone proceedings on this motion will be question is on the motion offered by DeMint Johnson (CT) Pascrell postponed. the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Deutsch Johnson, E. B. Pastor

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