Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, applauded House passage of H.Res. 573, introduced by Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL).  Chairman Royce is an original cosponsor of the resolution, which condemns the abduction of female students by armed militants from the al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group Boko Haram in Nigeria. 

Earlier this month the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously passed H.Res. 573.  During consideration of the legislation, the Committee adopted an amendment offered by Chairman Royce to encourage more aggressive security cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria.

On the legislation’s passage, Chairman Royce said:  “The world is now fully aware of the terror that is Boko Haram.  We can’t sit on the sidelines while Boko Haram, with their IEDs, heavy weapons, and grenade attacks, wage war against schoolgirls carrying backpacks, books, and pencils.  The Obama Administration must use its waiver authority to allow U.S. security forces to advise and assist the Nigerians. In this role, U.S. forces – expertly trained to deal with hostage situations and in jungle environments – could help Nigerians with intelligence, planning and logistics.  Today’s resolution importantly puts the House on record saying the U.S. stands with these young kidnapped girls, their families, and the communities in northern Nigeria who have lived under constant fear of Boko Haram for far too long.”

Video of Chairman Royce speaking on the House floor in support of H.Res. 573 is available HERE. 

Note: Chairman Royce will convene a hearing TOMORROW to examine the Administration’s response to Boko Haram, particularly the terrorist organization’s recent kidnapping of hundreds of Nigerian girls.  Immediately prior to the hearing, Committee Members will hear from Deborah Peter, a 15-year-old girl originally from the village of Chibok, Nigeria, the town where nearly 300 schoolgirls have been abducted by Boko Haram.  Deborah is the first female survivor of a Boko Haram attack to visit Washington, D.C.

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