'Leahy Law' ineffective in curbing child sex abuse by Afghan forces

Senator Patrick Leahy says he is disappointed by a report that indicates U.S. military officials continue to turn a blind eye when it comes to child sexual abuse by the Afghan security forces.

found nearly 6,000 cases from 2010 to 2016 of "gross human rights abuses" by the Afghans, including examples of Afghan military leaders keeping young boys as sex slaves. Leahy was the primary sponsor of a 1998 law that requires military aid be cut off in the face of such human rights abuses. But as the

, a loophole in the Leahy Law has allowed that aid to continue.

"Where in many parts around the world, just the threat of using the Leahy Law has caused people to stop the human rights violations. Afghanistan could stop these violations almost immediately. If they don't, why should tax payers in Vermont pay for them to continue it?" Leahy said Wednesday.

The new report has recommended getting rid of the "notwithstanding clause" loophole. Leahy says he hopes to take care of it through his role on the appropriations committee.