FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 19^th, 2012

Paulsen Applauds Passage of Protect Our Kids Act

Establishes Commission to Develop Recommendations to Reduce Child Deaths Due to Abuse and Neglect 

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), Acting Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources, issued the following statement after the House passed the Protect Our Kids Act, legislation which establishes a commission to develop recommendations to reduce child deaths from neglect and abuse. The 12 member commission would study a variety of issues, including prevention methods, data on fatalities, and the adequacy of current programs, and then make recommendations to reduce child maltreatment deaths. Last week, Rep. Paulsen chaired a Human Resources Subcommittee hearing examining the bipartisan proposal. During the hearing, the committee heard from multiple witnesses, including former Minnesota 3^rd district Congressman Bill Frenzel. Rep. Paulsen is an original co-sponsor of the Protect our Kids Act.

“Far too many children lose their lives each year as a result of abuse and neglect at the hands of those who should have cared for them. While it won’t be the Federal government that solves this problem, we have a role to play. Today’s legislation will bring together experts to review current child welfare programs and highlight what additional steps hold the most promise. Ultimately, this commission will help local officials and communities develop more effective approaches to reduce the number of child fatalities from abuse and neglect.” 

View Rep. Paulsen’s Floor Remarks HERE.

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Rep. Paulsen’s work in Congress visit www.paulsen.house.gov.

###