[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 81 (Monday, May 23, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S3043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    ADAM WALSH REAUTHORIZATION BILL

  Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, shortly the Senate will pass another 
important piece of legislation, the Adam Walsh Reauthorization Act. 
This is legislation that will better equip the States to track sex 
offenders and prevent abuse. Since the new majority took control of 
this Chamber, the Senate has prioritized bills that protect victims, 
that make our communities safer. This latest bill fits that model.
  For example, I was proud to introduce the Justice for Victims of 
Trafficking Act, which was signed into law by President Obama this last 
spring. That happened to enjoy a 99-to-0 vote in the Senate, clearly 
bipartisan legislation directed at helping the victims of human 
trafficking. I am pleased to report that this law has already begun 
helping those victims recover and find a path for healing.

  In another example, the Senate Judiciary Committee recently approved 
the Justice for All Reauthorization Act, legislation I introduced with 
our colleague from Vermont, Senator Leahy, that will improve the 
criminal justice system by helping eliminate the backlog of untested 
rape kits in communities throughout the country and by helping victims 
find justice faster.
  I might add that, thanks to the leadership of Chairman Grassley of 
the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Judiciary Committee has been as 
active and as productive as any other time I have been in the Senate.
  Finally, earlier this year we joined several of our colleagues to 
introduce Kari's Law, another bipartisan bill that would ensure that 
people have the ability to directly call 911 without having to dial an 
extra number, which happens to be particularly important in hotel rooms 
and other places. Particularly if a young child picks up a phone and 
dials 911, as they have been instructed, it is important that they be 
able to get through.
  This is a simple change but one that will help law enforcement and 
emergency personnel reach those who need help as soon as possible. I 
hope we can move this legislation forward soon.
  I am proud of the work the Senate has done in these and other areas 
this year. I hope this afternoon we can add the Adam Walsh 
Reauthorization Act to that list.
  Madam President, I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mrs. SHAHEEN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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