Bill Heads to President’s Desk

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, applauded the House of Representatives unanimous passage of S. 802, Girls Count Act of 2015.  The legislation works to support the rights of women and girls in developing countries.   Specifically, it authorizes the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to support programs that improve countries’ civil registration, to more accurately record female births and help prevent discrimination against girls in developing countries.

The House version of the Senate bill, H.R. 2100, introduced by Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), unanimously passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee earlier this month.

On the legislation’s passage, Chairman Royce said:  “I want to thank Mr. Chabot for spearheading the legislation before us today, which aims to increase birth registration rates for girls in developing countries. The appalling acts of injustice that are committed against women and girls around the world on a daily basis are deeply concerning.  The Girls Count Act recognizes this suffering, and aims to empower those who have been cast into the shadows of their societies.  Women serve as the backbone of stable, healthy societies. They are breadwinners, caregivers, educators, and often peacemakers.  By passing today’s legislation, we are giving women and girls a better chance to actively shape their country’s future, improve prospects for development, and oppose extremism in their communities.”
 

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