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Rep. Khanna celebrates passage of Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, joined by Paris Hilton
“Children across the country are at risk of abuse and neglect due to a lack of transparency in institutional youth treatment programs. The industry has gone unchecked for too long,” said Rep. Khanna
Rep. Khanna / Image- khanna.house.gov
Indian American Congressman, Ro Khanna, celebrated the passage of the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act by the House.
Khanna, a lead sponsor of the bill, joined bipartisan lawmakers and advocate Paris Hilton at a Capitol Hill press conference to underscore the importance of protecting children in institutional care programs. The bill now heads to President Biden for his assent.
“Children across the country are at risk of abuse and neglect due to a lack of transparency in institutional youth treatment programs. The industry has gone unchecked for too long,” said Rep. Khanna. “Paris Hilton and other survivors of abuse in this broken system have bravely shared their stories and inspired change. I’m proud to lead this legislation with my colleagues to protect the safety and well-being of kids.”
The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act introduces critical oversight and data transparency for residential youth treatment facilities, addressing long-standing issues in an industry that impacts over 100,000 children annually. The bipartisan legislation aims to prevent abuse and neglect by ensuring accountability and empowering families with clearer information about treatment programs.
Hilton, a survivor of institutional child abuse and a leading advocate for reform, expressed gratitude for the bill’s passage. “After years of fighting for this bill and countless trips to the Capitol, I am so proud that the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act has officially passed Congress,” Hilton said. “I made a vow to advocate for survivors and protect children, and today, we’ve taken a huge step toward that goal.”
Khanna’s leadership has been pivotal in the bill’s progress through Congress. His efforts, alongside co-sponsor Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter and Senators Jeff Merkley, John Cornyn, and Tommy Tuberville, secured strong bipartisan support in both chambers.
“When this bill is signed into law, it will ensure children are treated with dignity and respect in institutions that should be helping them, not harming them,” Khanna said. “This is about safeguarding the most vulnerable and shining a light on the practices of an industry that has too often operated in the shadows.”
As the bill heads to President Biden’s desk, Khanna reaffirmed his commitment to protecting children and ensuring oversight in youth treatment programs. “This victory is a testament to the power of survivors and advocates to inspire meaningful change,” he said. “Together, we are holding these institutions accountable and putting the well-being of children first.”
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