The Kidnapping of 300 Nigerian School Girls

Floor Speech

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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