Washington, DC – Today, Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI), Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources Acting Chairman Erik Paulsen (R-MN) and Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources Ranking Member Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) issued the following statements after the House passed the “Protect our Kids Act of 2012,” H.R. 6655 with overwhelming bipartisan support.  The legislation establishes a commission to study data on fatalities, review current prevention methods, and evaluate the adequacy of current programs in order to recommend a comprehensive strategy to reduce fatalities from child abuse and neglect.   

Chairman Camp stated, “Too many of our nation’s children die each year as a result of abuse and neglect.  The passage of this bill, which is the result of a bipartisan effort, brings us one step closer to preventing these tragedies.  Now, I urge my Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in support of this important legislation and work toward passing it and sending it to the President for his signature as soon as possible.”

Acting Chairman Paulsen said, “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.”

Ranking Member Doggett said, “As the grandfather of three little girls who bring our family such joy, it is painful to imagine any child dying from neglect or maltreatment. The Protect Our Kids Act will help provide thoughtful consideration of the steps we can take to better protect vulnerable children. It represents an improvement on legislation that I introduced a year ago.  Working together in a bipartisan way, we can make meaningful progress on this troubling issue.”