[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 111 (Wednesday, July 16, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              THE KIDNAPPING OF 300 NIGERIAN SCHOOL GIRLS

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2014

  Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, this week marks 3 long months since nearly 
300 Nigerian school girls were kidnapped and have since been held 
captive by Boko Haram. One day is too long, but yet 3 months have 
dragged on since this unconscionable crime and these families are still 
broken. I stand here now--with as much urgency as ever--with Nigerians, 
with the girls' parents, and with the rest of the world asking please 
bring back our girls.
  We must not lose focus, we must send a clear message that these acts 
will not be tolerated and we will join on a multi-national front in 
order to reunite these girls with their families. As a father of 3 
young women I can only imagine the heartache and pain of the affected 
parents and communities and the terror felt by the girls, it is for 
them that I stand here today. This unthinkable crime is not only an 
unconscionable act against humanity but also against international law 
and we must stay vigilant until Boko Haram is brought to justice.
  I am encouraged by the leadership of President Obama and Secretary of 
State John Kerry in their commitment of resources to help find these 
girls. I will continue to support any action that the U.S. can take to 
ensure their safe return. I stand strong with Nigerians, and those 
protesting internationally, to bring back our girls and make sure their 
deplorable captors are brought to justice.

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