[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 46 (Monday, March 24, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF KILAH DAVENPORT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 24, 2014

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember 
and honor Kilah Davenport, a young girl from my district in North 
Carolina who was taken from this world much too soon.
   Kilah was a young girl full of joy, laughter and love. Two years 
ago, when Kilah was just three-years-old, she was a victim of felony 
child abuse and suffered severe mental and physical damage. All of the 
doctors told Kilah's family that she would not survive, but she pulled 
through and overcame the odds stacked against her.
   I had the pleasure of meeting young Kilah and her wonderful, loving 
family, and I was moved by their incredible strength and faith. Kilah's 
recovery was slow and she faced extensive physical therapy and rehab. 
When most people would have given up, Kilah and her family endured, 
becoming advocates for legislation to protect our children. Kilah 
inspired the state of North Carolina to pass legislation that increases 
sentencing punishments for five child abuse-related felonies. 
Tragically, on March 12, just three weeks before her 5th birthday, 
Kilah Davenport passed away.
   I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Kilah Davenport Child Protection 
Act of 2013 (H.R. 3627), which guarantees that our states can address 
the serious problem of felony child abuse and makes certain that those 
who choose to harm a child suffer real and meaningful consequences. I 
am committed to ensuring the safety of the most innocent in our 
society. I support this bill that passed the House, and I encourage the 
Senate to do the same.
   Mr. Speaker, I will continue to pray for Kilah's family. I hope they 
can find the peace and comfort that only comes from our loving God as 
they go through this troubling time.

                          ____________________