[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 174 (Tuesday, December 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              KILAH DAVENPORT CHILD PROTECTION ACT OF 2013

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                               speech of

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 9, 2013

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a bill we are 
debating today, H.R. 3627, The Kilah Davenport Child Protection Act of 
2013.
  This commonsense bill will create an important study to examine the 
penalties that apply to child abusers across the country so that we can 
ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our children safe.
  The motivation behind this significant legislation comes from one of 
my own constituents, Kilah Davenport. Kilah was abused when she was 
just three years old and suffers from severe mental and physical 
damage. I have had the pleasure of meeting young Kilah several times, 
and each time I'm moved by her strength and conviction. Not even old 
enough for kindergarten, Kilah is faced with an uphill battle of 
physical therapy and rehab. I will continue to pray that this innocent 
young girl makes a full recovery.
  Mr. Speaker, child abuse and the safety of our children are not 
partisan issues. We must equip our states with the necessary tools to 
punish abusers to the fullest extent of the law. I am committed to 
ensuring that the federal government empowers the states to strengthen 
child abuse laws and ensure the safety of the most innocent in our 
society.
  This bill guarantees that our states can address the serious problem 
of child abuse and makes certain that those who choose to harm a child 
are dealt with in a swift and severe manner. I support this bill, and I 
encourage my colleagues to do the same.

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