California socialite Paris Hilton, great-granddaughter of Hilton hotel chain founder Conrad Hilton, gave a grave warning to the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday about child welfare in the foster system and other youth facilities.

“Progress isn’t an option anymore,” Hilton said at the committee hearing. “It’s a life or death responsibility.” Hilton was there with three other witnesses to testify about “strengthening child welfare and protecting America’s children.”