Walz led the drive for increased funding in the House, while Sens. Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar pushed it in the Senate.

Vieth said that besides improving the prosecution process, he believes the country needs to do much more to prevent and report abuse.

“There are studies that show most people won’t report abuse no matter how clear the evidence. Even when kids tell someone, it doesn’t get reported.”

He also says there is inadequate funding for prevention.

Federal estimates are that 60 million people have survived child abuse. “That’s 20 percent of our population. We spend some $94 billion a year dealing with the aftermath.”

Vieth said he will visit with as many congressional members and others in Washington as he can. He presumes he will be sitting in the visitors gallery during the president’s address, but he’s still awaiting details.

“I guess I’ll just do whatever the Secret Service tells me to do.”