High Country Times

WASHINGTON – Today, Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) delivered a speech on the House Floor in support of legislation aimed at enhancing the protection of missing and exploited children in the United States.

Foxx expressed her support for the Missing Children’s Assistance Reauthorization Act, emphasizing its significance in providing assistance to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). She highlighted the pivotal role of NCMEC as the national clearinghouse and resource center dedicated to safeguarding missing and exploited children.

Quoting President Reagan, Foxx reiterated the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of the nation's youth, stating, "All Americans, and especially our youth, should have the right and the opportunity to walk our streets, to play and to grow and to live their lives without being at risk."

Acknowledging the evolving threats faced by children in today's society, particularly online, Foxx underscored the necessity of reauthorizing the Missing Children’s Assistance Act to address these challenges effectively.

The bipartisan legislation, S. 2051, seeks to renew the MCAA through Fiscal Year 2028 and enhance NCMEC's capabilities in responding to crimes impacting children nationwide. Foxx commended the introduction of the companion bill, H.R. 5224, in the House, recognizing the collaborative efforts of Reps. Aaron Bean and Joe Courtney in addressing this critical issue.

Highlighting the key provisions of the legislation, Foxx outlined how S. 2051 aims to improve NCMEC's ability to support law enforcement in locating missing children, develop educational materials to prevent child exploitation, provide assistance for conducting background checks, offer support services to affected children and families, and facilitate the removal of child sexual abuse material from the internet.

Moreover, Foxx emphasized NCMEC's global engagement in combating child exploitation, including collaborations with international organizations to counter trafficking threats in an increasingly interconnected world.

During a recent hearing, NCMEC's President and CEO, Michelle DeLaune, expressed significant concerns about AI threats to children, rating the apprehension level at an '11,' underscoring the urgency of addressing technological risks to child safety.

In conclusion, Foxx reiterated the importance of passing the Missing Children’s Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2023 to equip NCMEC with the necessary tools to protect vulnerable children in the present and future, stressing the collective responsibility of the House of Representatives in safeguarding the nation's youth.