Adam Walsh Reauthorization Bill
Floor Speech
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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.
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