- The House approved the Stop Institutionalized Child Abuse bill, championed by Paris Hilton, with a 373-33 vote, mandating increased federal oversight of facilities for troubled minors.
- Hilton’s advocacy, driven by her personal experiences at Provo Canyon School, played a pivotal role in pushing the legislation forward after nearly three years of campaigning.
- The bill, already unanimously approved by the Senate, now awaits President Biden’s signature and aims to address systemic abuse in youth residential care facilities.
In a significant legislative step, the House approved the Stop Institutionalized Child Abuse bill, championed by Paris Hilton, with an overwhelming vote of 373-33.
This move marks a pivotal moment in Hilton’s nearly three-year campaign to reform the troubled teen industry. It reflects her dedication to turning personal trauma into legislative action. Specifically, the bill mandates increased federal oversight of facilities catering to troubled minors, thereby addressing long-standing concerns about their operation and treatment practices.
Senate Approval and Presidential Decision
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Furthermore, the legislation received unanimous approval from the Senate a week prior and is now awaiting President Joe Biden’s signature to become law. Hilton’s emotional response to the bill’s passage underscores its personal significance and her broader advocacy role. “I am so emotional right now. I have never felt prouder in my life,” Hilton stated, highlighting her journey from victim to vocal advocate for change.
Opposition from Republican Critics
However, critics of the bill were predominantly Republican, with opposition coming mainly from the party’s far-right members. Notable opponents included Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar, Byron Donalds, and Thomas Massie. Their resistance, however, contrasts sharply with the bipartisan support that propelled the bill through both legislative chambers.
Hilton’s Advocacy Journey
In addition, Hilton has been a persistent figure in Washington since October 2021, advocating for this cause through regular visits and meetings with key legislators. Her efforts culminated in this legislative victory, but they began with a painful personal history at Provo Canyon School in Utah—a facility she accuses of subjecting her to abuse as a teenager.
Systemic Issues and the Need for Oversight
Moreover, Hilton’s advocacy has not only brought attention to her own experiences but also highlighted systemic issues within youth residential treatment programs nationwide. Her testimony before Congress provided a harrowing account of her time at Provo Canyon School, detailing abuse that underscores the necessity of this legislation.
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Finally, the ongoing operation of Provo Canyon School—with its management asserting no responsibility for past abuses—further emphasizes the importance of the regulatory oversight proposed by Hilton’s championed legislation. As this bill moves forward into law, it represents not just a landmark achievement for Hilton but also hope for countless children in similar situations across the United States.
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