Georgia Mountain News

Representatives Earl L. "Buddy" Carter, Ro Khanna, and Senators Jeff Merkley, John Cornyn, and Tommy Tuberville celebrated the passage of the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act (SICAA) in the House. The bill is now headed to President Biden's desk for signing into law. Paris Hilton, a survivor of institutional child abuse and advocate for reform, joined the lawmakers at a Capitol Hill press conference to discuss the bill's significance.

The legislation aims to ensure accountability and protect over 100,000 youth in America by providing greater oversight and data transparency for institutional youth treatment programs. Rep. Carter stated that Congress took action against what he described as a crisis within these facilities: "One child experiencing abuse is too many."

Rep. Khanna highlighted the risks children face due to lack of transparency in these programs: "Children across the country are at risk of abuse and neglect." He commended Hilton and other survivors for inspiring change.

Hilton expressed her commitment to advocating for survivors since releasing her documentary about her own experiences: "I made a vow to do everything in my power to advocate for survivors." She looks forward to President Biden signing the bill into law.

Senator Merkley emphasized the bipartisan effort involved in bringing oversight to what he called the troubled teen industry: "This strongly bipartisan effort...has been years in the making."

Senator Cornyn spoke about addressing abuse faced by children in residential programs: "Some children...have faced unimaginable abuse and neglect."

Senator Tuberville underscored his dedication to mentoring young people as essential for America's future: "If we get everything else right but neglect our young people, our country has no future."

The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act now awaits President Biden's signature.