[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 116 (Wednesday, July 23, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4764-S4767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
By Mr. LEAHY (for himself and Ms. Collins):
S. 2646. A bill to reauthorize the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act,
and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I come to the Senate floor today to
introduce the Leahy-Collins Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking
Prevention Act. The prevalence of homelessness among young people in
America is deplorable. There are 1.6 million homeless teens in the
United States. This problem is not limited to large cities. Its impact
is felt strongly in smaller communities and rural areas, including in
my home State of Vermont. It affects our young people directly and
reverberates throughout our families and communities.
The Runaway Youth Act, first signed into law in 1974, has proven
essential to providing the services and resources that runaway and
homeless youth need, and our continued support is vital. Thirty-nine
percent of the homeless population is under the age of 18, and the
average age at which a teen becomes homeless is 14.7 years old. These
numbers are stark reminders of our duty as a nation to protect the most
vulnerable among us.
This bill reauthorizes funding for key elements of the Runaway and
Homeless Youth Programs, including the Basic Center Program, which
provides short-term emergency shelter and family reunification services
to runaway and homeless youth. The Transitional Living Program provides
longer term residential services, life skills, education, and
employment support to older homeless youth. This bill reauthorizes the
Street Outreach Program, which is staffed by workers who go out into
the community to provide crisis intervention and services referrals to
runaway and homeless youth on the street and at drop-in centers. It
also supports funding for national support activities like the national
runaway youth crisis line, and access to evaluation tools to help
grantees track the success of their efforts and ensure that Federal
funding is supporting only the most effective programs.
This reauthorization includes new and important provisions to combat
human trafficking. Victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking in
persons and runaway and homeless youth--two of our most vulnerable
populations--are intersecting populations. Runaway and homeless youth
service providers are uniquely situated to identify victims of sexual
exploitation and trafficking in persons. These youth have specific
needs and this bill ensures that victims of trafficking will be
identified as such, and receive the appropriate services.
Another improvement made by this reauthorization is a provision to
improve support for family reunification and intervention. Service
providers will be able to use grant funds to encourage the resolution
of family problems through counseling and other services. Family
support is critical to providing stability for homeless youth, and this
new provision will help boost positive outcomes.
I am proud that this bill contains a new nondiscrimination clause to
prohibit any grantee from discriminating against a child based on their
sexual orientation or gender identity. It is estimated that 40 percent
of the runaway and homeless youth population identifies as LGBT. It is
clear that this community needs the services authorized under the
Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. No young person should be turned away
from these essential services.
Supporting our youth when they are most in need and helping to get
them back on their feet benefits us all. Homeless children are less
likely to finish school, more likely to enter our juvenile justice
system, and are ill-equipped to find a job. The services authorized by
this bill are designed to intervene early and encourage the development
of successful, productive young adults.
I have heard from dozens of service providers urging swift passage of
this legislation. These are the people who are there on the frontlines
when youth have nowhere else to turn. Without the programs funded
through the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, hundreds of thousands of
children would be left on the street.
I thank Senator Collins for working with me on this legislation and
for joining me as an original cosponsor. I hope all Senators will join
us in supporting the prompt passage of the Leahy-Collins Runaway and
Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act on the Senate floor.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be
printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be
printed in the Record, as follows:
S. 2646
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Runaway and Homeless Youth
and Trafficking Prevention Act''.
SEC. 2. REFERENCES.
Except as otherwise specifically provided, whenever in this
Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an
amendment to, or repeal of, a provision, the amendment or
repeal shall be considered to be made to a provision of the
Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.).
SEC. 3. FINDINGS.
Section 302 (42 U.S.C. 5701) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``age, gender, and
culturally and'' before ``linguistically appropriate'';
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``outside the welfare
system and the law enforcement system'' and inserting ``, in
collaboration with public assistance systems, the law
enforcement system, and the child welfare system'';
(3) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by inserting ``a safe place to live and'' after ``youth
need''; and
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(4) in paragraph (6), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) runaway and homeless youth are at a high risk of
becoming victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking in
persons.''.
SEC. 4. BASIC CENTER GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Grants for Centers and Services.--Section 311(a) (42
U.S.C. 5711(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``services'' and all that
follows through the period and inserting ``safe shelter and
services, including trauma-informed services, for runaway and
homeless youth and, if appropriate, services for the families
of such youth, including (if appropriate) individuals
identified by such youth as family.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``mental health,'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``21 days; and'' and
inserting ``30 days;''; and
(ii) in clause (ii)--
(I) by inserting ``age, gender, and culturally and
linguistically appropriate'' before ``individual'';
(II) by inserting ``, as appropriate,'' after ``group'';
and
(III) by striking ``as appropriate'' and inserting
``including (if appropriate) counseling for individuals
identified by such youth as family''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) suicide prevention services; and''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) in clause (ii), by inserting ``age, gender, and
culturally and linguistically appropriate'' before ``home-
based services'';
(ii) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(iii) in clause (iv), by striking ``diseases.'' and
inserting ``infections;''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
[[Page S4765]]
``(v) trauma-informed and gender-responsive services for
runaway or homeless youth, including such youth who are
victims of trafficking in persons or sexual exploitation; and
``(vi) an assessment of family engagement in support and
reunification (if reunification is appropriate),
interventions, and services for parents or legal guardians of
such youth, or (if appropriate) individuals identified by
such youth as family.''.
(b) Eligibility; Plan Requirements.--Section 312 (42 U.S.C.
5712) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``, or (if appropriate)
individuals identified by such youth as family,'' after
``parents or legal guardians'';
(B) in paragraph (6), by striking ``cultural minority and
persons with limited ability to speak English'' and inserting
``cultural minority, persons with limited ability to speak
English, and runaway or homeless youth who are victims of
trafficking in persons or sexual exploitation'';
(C) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:
``(7) shall keep adequate statistical records profiling the
youth and family members of such youth whom the applicant
serves, including demographic information on and the number
of--
``(A) such youth who are not referred to out-of-home
shelter services;
``(B) such youth who are members of vulnerable or
underserved populations;
``(C) such youth who are victims of trafficking in persons
or sexual exploitation, disaggregated by--
``(i) such youth who have been coerced or forced into a
commercial sex act, as defined in section 103 of the
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102);
``(ii) such youth who have been coerced or forced into
other forms of labor; and
``(iii) such youth who have engaged in a commercial sex
act, as so defined, for any reason other than by coercion or
force;
``(D) such youth who are pregnant or parenting;
``(E) such youth who have been involved in the child
welfare system; and
``(F) such youth who have been involved in the juvenile
justice system;'';
(D) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (13) as
paragraphs (9) through (14);
(E) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
``(8) shall ensure that--
``(A) the records described in paragraph (7), on an
individual runaway or homeless youth, shall not be disclosed
without the consent of the individual youth and parent or
legal guardian of such youth, or (if appropriate) an
individual identified by such youth as family, to anyone
other than another agency compiling statistical records or a
government agency involved in the disposition of criminal
charges against an individual runaway or homeless youth; and
``(B) reports or other documents based on the statistics
described in paragraph (7) shall not disclose the identity of
any individual runaway or homeless youth;'';
(F) in paragraph (9), as so redesignated, by striking
``statistical summaries'' and inserting ``statistics'';
(G) in paragraph (13)(C), as so redesignated--
(i) by striking clause (i) and inserting:
``(i) the number and characteristics of runaway and
homeless youth, and youth at risk of family separation, who
participate in the project, including such information on--
``(I) such youth (including both types of such
participating youth) who are victims of trafficking in
persons or sexual exploitation, disaggregated by--
``(aa) such youth who have been coerced or forced into a
commercial sex act, as defined in section 103 of the
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102);
``(bb) such youth who have been coerced or forced into
other forms of labor; and
``(cc) such youth who have engaged in a commercial sex act,
as so defined, for any reason other than by coercion or
force;
``(II) such youth who are pregnant or parenting;
``(III) such youth who have been involved in the child
welfare system; and
``(IV) such youth who have been involved in the juvenile
justice system; and''; and
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(H) in paragraph (14), as so redesignated, by striking the
period and inserting ``for natural disasters, inclement
weather, and mental health emergencies;''; and
(I) by adding at the end the following:
``(15) shall provide age, gender, and culturally and
linguistically appropriate services to runaway and homeless
youth; and
``(16) shall assist youth in completing the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid described in section 483
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1090).''; and
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``age, gender, and culturally and
linguistically appropriate'' after ``provide'';
(ii) by striking ``families (including unrelated
individuals in the family households) of such youth'' and
inserting ``families of such youth (including unrelated
individuals in the family households of such youth and, if
appropriate, individuals identified by such youth as
family)''; and
(iii) by inserting ``suicide prevention,'' after ``physical
health care,''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``, including training
on trauma-informed and youth-centered care'' after ``home-
based services''.
(c) Approval of Applications.--Section 313(b) (42 U.S.C.
5713(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``priority to'' and all that follows
through ``who'' and inserting ``priority to eligible
applicants who'';
(2) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a period; and
(3) by striking paragraph (2).
SEC. 5. TRANSITIONAL LIVING GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 322(a) (42 U.S.C. 5714-2(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by inserting ``age, gender, and culturally and
linguistically appropriate'' before ``information and
counseling services''; and
(B) by striking ``job attainment skills, and mental and
physical health care'' and inserting ``job attainment skills,
mental and physical health care, and suicide prevention
services''; and
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (8) and (9)
through (16) as paragraphs (5) through (10) and (12) through
(19), respectively;
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) to provide counseling to homeless youth and to
encourage, if appropriate, the involvement in such counseling
of their parents or legal guardians, or (if appropriate)
individuals identified by such youth as family;
``(4) to provide aftercare services, if possible, to
homeless youth who have received shelter and services from a
transitional living youth project, including (to the extent
practicable) such youth who, after receiving such shelter and
services, relocate to a State other than the State in which
such project is located;'';
(4) in paragraph (9), as so redesignated--
(A) by inserting ``age, gender, and culturally and
linguistically appropriate'' after ``referral of homeless
youth to'';
(B) by striking ``and health care programs'' and inserting
``mental health service and health care programs, including
programs providing comprehensive services to victims of
trafficking in persons or sexual exploitation,''; and
(C) by striking ``such services for youths;'' and inserting
``such programs described in this paragraph;'';
(5) by inserting after paragraph (10), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(11) to develop a plan to provide age, gender, and
culturally and linguistically appropriate services that
address the needs of homeless and street youth;'';
(6) in paragraph (12), as so redesignated, by striking
``the applicant and statistical'' through ``who participate
in such project,'' and inserting ``the applicant, statistical
summaries describing the number, the characteristics, and the
demographic information of the homeless youth who participate
in such project, including the prevalence of trafficking in
persons and sexual exploitation of such youth,''; and
(7) in paragraph (19), as so redesignated, by inserting
``regarding responses to natural disasters, inclement
weather, and mental health emergencies'' after ``management
plan''.
SEC. 6. COORDINATING, TRAINING, RESEARCH, AND OTHER
ACTIVITIES.
(a) Coordination.--Section 341 (42 U.S.C. 5714-21) is
amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting
``safety, well-being,'' after ``health,''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``other Federal
entities'' and inserting ``the Department of Housing and
Urban Development, the Department of Education, the
Department of Labor, and the Department of Justice''.
(b) Grants for Technical Assistance and Training.--Section
342 (42 U.S.C. 5714-22) is amended by inserting ``, including
onsite and web-based techniques, such as on-demand and online
learning,'' before ``to public and private entities''.
(c) Grants for Research, Evaluation, Demonstration, and
Service Projects.--Section 343 (42 U.S.C. 5714-23) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``violence, trauma,
and'' before ``sexual abuse and assault'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``sexual abuse and
assault; and'' and inserting ``sexual abuse or assault,
trafficking in persons, or sexual exploitation;''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``who have been
sexually victimized'' and inserting ``who are victims of
sexual abuse or assault, trafficking in persons, or sexual
exploitation''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) best practices for identifying and providing age,
gender, and culturally and linguistically appropriate
services to--
``(i) vulnerable and underserved youth populations; and
``(ii) youth who are victims of trafficking in persons or
sexual exploitation; and
``(E) verifying youth as runaway or homeless to complete
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid described in
section 483 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1090);'';
(B) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(C) in paragraph (10), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(D) by adding at end the following:
[[Page S4766]]
``(11) examining the intersection between the runaway and
homeless youth populations and trafficking in persons,
including noting whether such youth who are victims of
trafficking in persons were previously involved in the child
welfare or juvenile justice systems.''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(2)(B), by inserting ``, including
such youth who are victims of trafficking in persons or
sexual exploitation'' after ``runaway or homeless youth''.
(d) Periodic Estimate of Incidence and Prevalence of Youth
Homelessness.--Section 345 (42 U.S.C. 5714-25) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``13'' and inserting ``12''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period and inserting
a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) that includes demographic information about and
characteristics of runaway or homeless youth, including such
youth who are victims of trafficking in persons or sexual
exploitation; and
``(4) that does not disclose the identity of any runaway or
homeless youth.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``13'' and inserting ``12'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) incidences, if any, of--
``(i) such individuals who are victims of trafficking in
persons; or
``(ii) such individuals who are victims of sexual
exploitation; and''; and
(E) in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated--
(i) in clause (ii), by striking ``; and'' and inserting ``,
including mental health services;''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) access to education and job training; and''.
SEC. 7. SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM.
Section 351 (42 U.S.C. 5714-41) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``public and'' before ``nonprofit''; and
(B) by striking ``prostitution, or sexual exploitation.''
and inserting ``violence, trafficking in persons, or sexual
exploitation.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Eligibility Requirements.--To be eligible to receive
a grant under subsection (a), an applicant shall certify to
the Secretary that such applicant has systems in place to
ensure that such applicant can provide age, gender, and
culturally and linguistically appropriate services to all
youth described in subsection (a).''.
SEC. 8. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(a) Reports.--Section 382(a) (42 U.S.C. 5715(a)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (D) as
subparagraphs (C) through (E), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) collecting data on trafficking in persons and sexual
exploitation of runaway and homeless youth;''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following:
``(A) the number and characteristics of homeless youth
served by such projects, including--
``(i) such youth who are victims of trafficking in persons
or sexual exploitation;
``(ii) such youth who are pregnant or parenting;
``(iii) such youth who have been involved in the child
welfare system; and
``(iv) such youth who have been involved in the juvenile
justice system;''; and
(B) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``intrafamily
problems'' and inserting ``problems within the family,
including (if appropriate) individuals identified by such
youth as family,''.
(b) Nondiscrimination.--Part F is amended by inserting
after section 386A (42 U.S.C. 5732-1) the following:
``SEC. 386B. NONDISCRIMINATION.
``(a) In General.--No person in the United States shall, on
the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion,
national origin, sex, gender identity (as defined in section
249(c)(4) of title 18, United States Code), sexual
orientation, or disability, be excluded from participation
in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination
under any program or activity funded in whole or in part with
funds made available under this title, or any other program
or activity funded in whole or in part with amounts
appropriated for grants, cooperative agreements, or other
assistance administered by the Administration for Children
and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services.
``(b) Disqualification.--Any State, locality, organization,
agency, or entity that violates the requirements of
subsection (a) shall not be eligible to receive any grant,
assistance, or funding provided under this title.''.
(c) Definitions.--Section 387 (42 U.S.C. 5732a) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (7) and (8) as paragraphs
(8) and (9), respectively;
(2) in paragraph (5)(B)(v)--
(A) by redesignating subclauses (II) through (IV) as
subclauses (III) through (V), respectively;
(B) by inserting after subclause (I), the following:
``(II) trafficking in persons;'';
(C) in subclause (IV), as so redesignated--
(i) by striking ``diseases'' and inserting ``infections'';
and
(ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(D) in subclause (V), as so redesignated, by striking the
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(VI) suicide.'';
(3) in paragraph (6)(B), by striking ``prostitution,'' and
inserting ``trafficking in persons,'';
(4) by inserting after paragraph (6), the following:
``(7) Trafficking in persons.--The term `trafficking in
persons' has the meaning given the term `severe forms of
trafficking in persons' in section 103 of the Trafficking
Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102).'';
(5) in paragraph (8), as so redesignated--
(A) by inserting ``to homeless youth'' after ``provides'';
and
(B) by inserting ``, to establish a stable family or
community supports,'' after ``self-sufficient living''; and
(6) in paragraph (9)(B), as so redesignated--
(A) in clause (ii)--
(i) by inserting ``or able'' after ``willing''; and
(ii) by striking ``or'' at the end;
(B) in clause (iii), by striking the period and inserting
``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) who is involved in the child welfare or juvenile
justice system, but who is not receiving government-funded
housing.''.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 388(a) (42
U.S.C. 5751(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``for fiscal year 2009,''
and all that follows through the period and inserting ``for
each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019.'';
(2) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking ``such sums as may be
necessary for fiscal years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and
2013.'' and inserting ``$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2015 through 2019.''; and
(3) in paragraph (4), by striking ``for fiscal year 2009''
and all that follows through the period and inserting ``for
each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019.''.
Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Runaway and
Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act with Senate Judiciary
Committee Chairman Leahy. This bill would reauthorize the Runaway and
Homeless Youth Act, which expired last September. The programs
supported by this Act have provided lifesaving services and housing for
America's homeless and human trafficked youth for forty years and are a
vital tool in addressing the problem of homelessness among young people
in our country.
Homelessness is affecting youth in unprecedented numbers. According
to the Health Resources and Services Administration, there are
approximately 1.6 million homeless teens in the United States. Some
advocacy groups estimate that 39 percent of the homeless population is
under the age of 18. Some of these youth may stay away from home for
only one or two nights, while others have been living on the street for
years.
Of the 1.6 million homeless youth, the National Alliance to End
Homelessness estimates that, in any given year, there are approximately
550,000 unaccompanied, single youth and young adults up to age 24 who
experience a homelessness episode of longer than one week.
Approximately 200,000 youth each year live permanently on the street--a
life that is extremely difficult, often dangerous, and unhealthy.
Sadly, 5,000 teenagers are buried each year in unmarked graves either
because they are unidentified or unclaimed.
Teens run away and become homeless for many reasons. A study
conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found
that 46 percent of homeless youth left home because of physical abuse
and 17 percent because of sexual abuse. This population is at greater
risk of suicide, unintended pregnancy, and substance abuse. Many are
unable to continue with school and are more likely to enter our
juvenile justice system.
As the Ranking Member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban
Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Appropriations, I
have made addressing homelessness a priority. Since 2010, we have seen
a 16 percent drop in chronic homelessness. We must build on this
success and ensure our nation's homeless youth have opportunities to
succeed just as other youth. The Administration has set a goal, which I
fully support, to prevent and end youth homelessness by 2020.
The programs reauthorized by this bill serve homeless youth by
meeting
[[Page S4767]]
their immediate needs and providing long-term residential services for
youth who cannot be safely reunified with family. In 2013, 94 percent
of the minors who entered Basic Center Programs exited these programs
safely and appropriately, and 72 percent were reunited with their
families. Similarly, 88 percent of youth in Transitional Living
Programs made safe and appropriate exits.
In Portland, Maine, the Preble Street Resource Center has used
Runaway and Homeless Youth Act resources to connect with youth who need
food, a safe place to sleep, health services, and education support.
Over 200 individual youth were served at the Joe Kreisler Teen Shelter
last year, and dozens received the support they needed to return home,
find independent living options, and deal with trauma, substance abuse,
and mental health challenges. The Street Outreach Program allows Preble
Street to operate a Drop-In center and helps caseworkers and social
workers connect with youth who appear homeless or in distress. This
support often translates into powerful success stories. In fact, Preble
Street has seen some of its youth go on to become physicians,
attorneys, film makers, and social workers.
Mr. President, homeless youth are at high risk of victimization,
abuse, targeting by human traffickers, criminal activity, and death.
Research shows that 40 to 60 percent of homeless youth have experienced
physical abuse. Without a safe place to stay, young people suffer and
remain disconnected from education, the workforce, and community
involvement, and they struggle to enter adulthood successfully.
The Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act will
support the critically needed services for young people who run away,
are thrown out, or are disconnected from families. A caring and safe
place to sleep, eat, grow, and develop is critical for all young
people, and the programs reauthorized through this legislation help
extend those basic services to the most vulnerable youth in our
communities.
I urge my colleagues to join Senator Leahy and me in supporting this
bill.
______