[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 20 (Tuesday, January 30, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




PROTECTING YOUNG VICTIMS FROM SEXUAL ABUSE AND SAFE SPORT AUTHORIZATION 
                              ACT OF 2017

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 29, 2018

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, the trial of Larry Nassar and the 
testimonies of more than 150 brave women have illuminated many 
injustices. One of the most critical is that our institutions are 
fundamentally failing to protect young women and men against predators. 
Officials at USA Gymnastics, Michigan State University, and the U.S. 
Olympics committee knew about multiple allegations against Nassar. They 
knew for years, and they did nothing to reprimand the perpetrator or 
prevent it from happening again to other young athletes.
  This bill, however, does not go far enough. Changes to the governance 
of these bodies going forward is clearly insufficient to guard the 
rights of those victims who have already been harmed. The burden should 
not rest solely on those victims brave enough to advance their claim in 
a court of law.
  The past several months in particular have brought to light the 
systemic problem of sexual harassment and assault. From Larry Nassar, 
to Harvey Weinstein, to powerful, elected officials, we've allowed 
sexual predators and harassers to escape scrutiny and consequences for 
their actions for far too long. This is unacceptable and it's our 
responsibility to act. We must continue to not only unmask these 
individuals and their enablers and bring them to justice, but also work 
tirelessly to prevent these assaults from happening in the first place.
  And to the countless survivors of sexual assault and harassment who 
so boldly continue to share their stories--I hear you, I believe you, 
and I thank you for your courage.

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