Former reality star Paris Hilton said she’s open to the idea of running for office after becoming more involved in politics in recent years.
The 43-year-old socialite recently campaigned for the passage of a youth welfare bill, which prompted the conversation.
“After coming here so many times over the past couple of years and seeing that my voice really can make a difference, and 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,” Hilton said Wednesday when asked by a reporter if she’d be interested in running for office, per The Hill.
Hilton supported the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, which passed the House 373-33. Last week, the Senate passed the bill unanimously. It will now advance to President Joe Biden for his signature.
“I’m so emotional right now. I never felt prouder in my life,” Hilton said of the bill passing.
“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.
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The “Simple Life” star detailed the abuse she experienced at the youth residential treatment facility Provo Canyon School during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing in June, per ABC News.
“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,” she said. “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.”
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) was one supporter of the bill. “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 said in a statement after the bill passed.
He went on, “I’m proud that the Senate unanimously passed this legislation to ensure the vulnerable children in these facilities are protected, and I want to thank the countless advocates who have bravely shared their stories to help end institutional child abuse.”
