WASHINGTON — A Vermont senator is shooting down claims that he is blocking a federal bill named after Union County child abuse victim Kilah Davenport.
Channel 9 spoke to Democratic Sen.Patrick Leahy's office. A spokeswoman said Rep. Robert Pittenger is mistaken that Kilah's Act was blocked by the Senate.
She told Channel 9 the senator and judiciary committee is still reviewing bill.
Kilah's Act would force the U.S. Attorney General to investigate state child abuse laws to make sure abusers are punished.
Pittenger, who introduced the bill and got it passed in the house, accused Leahy of trying to shield the Justice Department from doing extra work.
Kilah died earlier this year -- two years after her stepfather severely abused her.
Her case already changed North Carolina's law.
It allows for tougher punishment in serious child abuse cases.
WSOC
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