Former reality TV star Paris Hilton recently hinted she might consider running for office after championing legislation in the past few years.
The 43-year-old Hilton hotel chain heiress recently pushed for the approval of a federal youth welfare bill, which sparked speculation about her political ambitions.
“After coming here so many times over the past couple of years and seeing that my voice really can make a difference,” Hilton said when asked by a reporter whether she might pursue a role in politics.
“I can really shine a spotlight on things that are important around the world to make it a better place and safer for children, I can maybe see that happening,” she added.
Legislation is Hot 🔥 I’m so proud that my bill to protect children passed through the US Congress! 🥹🥲 11:11 Impact still has so much work to do and all proceeds from purchases of my “Legislation is Hot” tees and sweatshirts will go to my nonprofit for this cause. Shop them… pic.twitter.com/2NlhT06QIi
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) December 19, 2024
The former “Simple Life” star played a key role in supporting the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, which passed in the House by a vote of 373-33 on Wednesday.
The Senate passed the bill unanimously just days earlier, and it now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature.
The legislation aims to establish a federal task force to oversee youth residential programs, focusing on ensuring the health, safety, and appropriate care of children in rehabilitation centers and similar facilities.
“I’m so emotional right now. I never felt prouder in my life,” Hilton commented after the bill cleared Congress.
“I worked so hard on this bill the past couple years, just to be here today and see our bill passing Congress has been one of the most incredible moments of my life, and I just know that the teenage me would be so proud of the woman that I am today — turning my pain into purpose and being a voice for so many people who don’t have a voice,” she added during her remarks.
Hilton has publicly opened up about her traumatic experiences as a teenager at the Provo Canyon School, a youth residential facility.
During a June hearing with the House Ways and Means Committee, Hilton recounted disturbing details of the abuse she endured.
“These programs promised healing, growth, and support, but instead did not allow me to speak, move freely, or even look out a window for two years,” Hilton testified.
“I was force-fed medications and sexually abused by the staff. I was violently restrained and dragged down hallways, stripped naked, and thrown into solitary confinement.”
The legislation Hilton rallied behind was introduced by Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. Ro Khanna and had bipartisan backing from Republican lawmakers including Sens. John Cornyn and Tommy Tuberville along with Rep. Buddy Carter.
“Children across the country are at risk of abuse and neglect due to a lack of transparency in institutional youth treatment programs,” Rep. Khanna said in a public statement.
“The industry has gone unchecked for too long. Paris Hilton and other survivors of abuse in this broken system have bravely shared their stories and inspired change. I’m proud to lead this legislation with my colleagues to protect the safety and well-being of kids.”
Sen. Cornyn of Texas echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the necessity for reform. “A lack of oversight and transparency in residential youth programs has allowed for the abuse of children in facilities across the country for far too long,” Cornyn stated.
“I’m proud that the Senate unanimously passed this legislation to ensure the vulnerable children in these facilities are protected,” he elaborated.
“I want to thank the countless advocates who have bravely shared their stories to help end institutional child abuse.”
Following the bill’s advancement, Hilton marked the moment on Instagram, reiterating her mission to make a difference.
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“This moment is proof that our voices matter, that speaking out can spark change, and that no child should ever endure the horrors of abuse in silence,” Hilton posted.
“I did this for the younger version of myself and the youth who were senselessly taken from us by the Troubled Teen Industry.”
Hilton has long advocated for bringing attention to the widespread mistreatment occurring at facilities marketed as “troubled teen” rehabilitation.
She shared her personal story in a 2022 USA TODAY op-ed, detailing her experiences and exposing abuse in the so-called treatment centers.
“It takes all my courage to talk about it, but I couldn’t stand knowing that children as young as 8 years old are being sent to these ‘troubled teen’ programs by parents who don’t know and government agencies that don’t care,” Hilton wrote in her article.
At the time, she urged bipartisan cooperation to address what she termed a “children’s human rights crisis.”
“We all need to make it clear that Americans expect bipartisan leadership and cooperation to address this tragically overlooked children’s human rights crisis immediately. Further inaction is inexcusable.”