Friend,

Yesterday, I heard four brave young women testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee and the nation.

All four were star elite gymnasts who propelled our country to the top of the sport.

All four were abused by Larry Nassar, the convicted sex offender and former USA Gymnastics doctor.

And all four were failed by the adults to whom they reported their abuse. For years.

Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols, and Aly Raisman brought incredible courage and clarity yesterday, shining a spotlight on the devastating failures of FBI investigators and so many others who could have stopped the abuse.

"To be clear, I blame Larry Nassar," Simone Biles said, "but I also blame an entire system that enabled and perpetrated his abuse."

By coming forward years ago and testifying yesterday, these women showed courage and determination to expose Larry Nassar and the system that failed them. Now we must do our job by holding those responsible -- or, more accurately, who failed to meet their responsibilities -- to account.

Join me in applauding the courage of Ms. Biles, Ms. Maroney, Ms. Nichols, and Ms. Raisman. Let's thank them for their bravery and vow to prevent such institutional failures from happening again.

Sincerely,

Patrick Leahy
U.S. Senator

P.S. If you or anyone you know is experiencing sexual abuse, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE or click here to connect with a trained support specialist.