Clay Cosponsors House Resolution to "Bring Back Our Girls." Praises Bipartisan Support to Help Rescue Kidnapped Nigerian Students, Combat Terrorism

Clay Cosponsors House Resolution to

“Bring Back Our Girls”

Praises Bipartisan Support to Help Rescue Kidnapped Nigerian Students, Combat Terrorism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 5.23.14

MEDIA CONTACT:

STEVEN ENGELHARDT  (314) 504-4029

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri praised U.S. House passage of H.Res. 573, a bipartisan bill that he co-sponsored condemning the abduction of Nigerian school girls by the terrorist organization Boko Haram, and pledging direct U.S. support to assist with locating and rescuing the young students.  President Obama has just notified Congress that a small, specialized contingent of U.S. troops have been deployed to the area to conduct advanced aerial reconnaissance in an effort to locate the kidnapped girls.

“Over a month ago, almost 300 young Nigerian women were kidnapped from their school in northeastern Nigeria by the brutal Boko Haram terrorists.  Their only offense was the desire to receive a decent education in order to build a better future for themselves and their families,” said Mr. Clay.  “All free people everywhere must stand together to oppose this outrageous violence against innocent young women.  I am very pleased that President Obama has authorized U.S. forces to assist Nigeria with specialized logistics and reconnaissance help to locate the girls, and if possible, to bring them home safely without delay.

The just-passed bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Congressman Clay supports the people of Nigeria, especially the parents and families of the girls abducted by Boko Haram in Borno state, and calls for their immediate and safe return.  The bill condemns Boko Haram for its attacks on civilian targets, including schools, mosques, churches, villages, and agricultural centers.  The act also encourages the government of Nigeria to strengthen efforts to protect children seeking an education and to hold those who conduct such attacks fully accountable.

-30-