[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 MINNESOTA MOURNS FOR JACOB WETTERLING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 7, 2016

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, on October 22, 1989 a heinous, evil crime 
was committed against a young boy. For nearly twenty-seven years that 
unsolved crime devastated a family, terrorized a community, and has 
haunted the people of Minnesota.
  The young boy was eleven-year-old Jacob Wetterling of St. Joseph, MN 
and this week we finally learned the truth. Jacob was abducted and 
murdered by a sexual predator who is presently facing federal child 
pornography charges.
  For twenty-seven years the disappearance and uncertainty of Jacob's 
whereabouts unleashed a mix of emotions--grief, anger, sadness, but 
always there was hope. Jacob's mother and father--Patty and Jerry 
Wetterling--never gave up hope. They inspired hope and compassion from 
the unimaginable pain of losing their son. Patty's advocacy on behalf 
of missing and exploited children has made her a national expert and a 
leading national voice for laws and policies that keep children safe. 
Not only has she dedicated her life to bringing Jacob home, but she has 
made protecting families and children her mission. Patty is a woman 
with incredible courage, strength, and determination whom I admire and 
respect.
  In 1989, Jacob's disappearance transfixed Minnesota. My own household 
was no different. My son was Jacob's age and my daughter a few years 
younger. We all wanted to see Jacob come home. I feared for my 
children's safety. Parents were afraid and so were children all across 
Minnesota.
  It is with much sadness and grief that we now know that Jacob was 
murdered soon after he was abducted. His remains have been found. The 
truth has been revealed. And, the Wetterling family can bring their son 
home and mourn for him with all the love, dignity and respect that 
Jacob deserves.
  May Jacob now rest in peace and may the prayers of all Minnesotans 
give the Wetterling family comfort during this difficult and sad time. 
And, this October 22nd, as I have every year since his disappearance, I 
leave a light on to remember Jacob and all the children who are still 
missing.

                          ____________________