Houston Republic

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29) celebrates the culmination of several initiatives highlighted during April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

“In continued recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, I want to highlight the work I have been doing over the past month. There is no higher goal than protecting the safety of children and adults that have experienced sexual violence. That is why I am introducing my bill, the Shielding America’s Youth from Exploitation (SAYFE) Act, and re-introducing Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies (EARN IT) Act. I also led a multi-member letter to the Appropriations Committee requesting the highest possible funding for implementing military justice reforms to prevent sexual harassment across the branches of the military. There is no greater responsibility than making sure that we are defending victims and survivors of sexual abuse and preventing further violence,” said Congresswoman Garcia.

The SAYFE Act and the EARN IT Act seek to protect future members of the military and children respectively, from sexual assault and abuse. “Whether abuse occurs in military training, online, in the home, or at school, it will never be tolerated. This behavior is abhorrent and unacceptable. Sexual Assault Awareness Month may conclude in April, but its significance requires a never-ending fight in Congress to protect victims and survivors of sexual assault,” concluded the Congresswoman.

Not only is legislation moving forward for sexual assault awareness and prevention, but also requests for additional funding are being filed with the Appropriations Committee.

The SAYFE Act, the EARN IT Act, and Congresswoman Garcia’s recent funding request seek to protect victims and survivors, and prevent further sexual assault and violence against children.

SAYFE Act bill text here: SAYFE Act

EARN IT Act bill text here: EARN IT Act

FY24 Appropriations request letter text here: Appropriations Request

##

Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She is Vice Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee and a member of the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. 

Original source can be found here.