[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 167 (Thursday, December 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2164-E2165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTERNATIONAL PROTECTING GIRLS BY PREVENTING CHILD MARRIAGE ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 16, 2010

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the International 
Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2010.
  This bill is a measure that represents the best of American foreign 
policy. It addresses an abuse that I think all of us agree should not 
happen in the 21st century.
  Girls should have the chance to enjoy their childhood in the peace 
and security of their own families--not be married off to the highest 
bidder, or anyone else for that matter.
  And, research shows that this is not just about girls--while the vast 
majority of those trapped in child marriage are girls, boys too are 
among the victims.
  This is a moral issue. By passing this bill, we have a chance to 
state clearly and on the record that child marriage is a human rights 
abuse.

[[Page E2165]]

  But, this is not only a moral issue--it is also about improving 
health, reducing maternal mortality, slowing the spread of HIV/AIDS and 
reducing poverty.
  Study after study has shown that when we do these things, we not only 
help create a safer world for women and children, but we also help 
improve the security of the United States.
  It is true that there may be some very minor costs associated with 
this bill. However, they pale in comparison to our obligation to do 
what is right.
  I want to thank my colleague from Minnesota Betty McCollum and 
Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois for leading this effort. Both of them 
have been indefatigable champions of the rights of women and children 
and we wouldn't be considering this bill today without them.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support the International Protecting 
Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act.

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