High Country Times

WASHINGTON – Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) today applauded the enactment of S. 2051, the Missing Children’s Assistance Reauthorization Act, as a key step in fulfilling the nation’s promise to protect vulnerable children.

The law, authored by Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee Chairman Aaron Bean (R-FL) and U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT), renews funding for the Missing Children’s Assistance Act (MCAA) through Fiscal Year 2028 and updates the statute concerning the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). It aims to better equip law enforcement to respond to crimes affecting children, support youth who are missing, and prevent child sexual exploitation and victimization.

“One of the longstanding priorities of our nation is to protect the most vulnerable children – it is an issue that transcends politics, and one that Americans wholeheartedly support. With the bipartisan Missing Children’s Assistance Reauthorization Act having been signed into law, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children can continue its work serving as a national force for the common good. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their efforts in supporting this legislation, and for their commitment to giving the most vulnerable children a fighting chance,” said Foxx.

“As a father of three, I cannot imagine the pain of a missing or exploited child. Reauthorizing the MCAA gives hope and encouragement to loved ones during a time of immense heartbreak and uncertainty. Time is a critical factor in the search effort, and this bill will modernize the reporting system so law enforcement can quickly find missing children and bring closure to countless families. Today is an important step in the fight to prevent child victimization, sexual exploitation, and abductions, and I am proud to see our bill signed into law,” said Bean.

“In a narrowly divided Congress, it is very encouraging to see enactment of the bipartisan Missing Children’s Assistance Reauthorization Act, which I have co-led in the House alongside my Republican colleague Congressman Bean. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has provided critical lifesaving help for families, law enforcement, and child protection agencies that have to be maintained. With President Biden’s signature, we are ensuring the Center has up-to-date resources it needs to continue protecting children and supporting families,” said Courtney.

“Every child deserves a safe, loving home. And when a child goes missing or suffers abuse, families experience unimaginable pain and horror. And for children, trauma is much worse. Many survivors of exploitation or abuse suffer physical and mental harm that can impact them for years. Members on both sides of the aisle have long agreed that NCMEC is essential to protecting exploited children as well as restoring hope for parents and loved ones. The Missing Children’s Assistance Reauthorization Act will renew authorization for NCMEC’s grant program,” said Robert C. “Bobby” Scott.

The legislation was championed by U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill passed both chambers with unanimous votes.

“The horrors of the Internet are every parent’s worst nightmare... From day one this Congress... Senator Graham... mission... raise awareness... harms caused by Big Tech... pass legislation... hold Big Tech accountable... bolster programs that support victims... grateful for NCMEC... invaluable lifeline – 100K CyberTips per day concerning child sexual exploitation – glad these programs stronger...” said Durbin.

“NCMEC is one of our most important organizations ... protect children ... glad this bipartisan legislation ... keep NCMEC's programs running ... signed into law,” said Graham.

The act improves NCMEC's ability:

- Assist law enforcement in identifying missing/exploited children;

- Develop educational materials reducing risks like sex trafficking;

- Provide education/technical assistance on background checks;

- Offer support services;

- Facilitate requests removing online abuse material.