NE Florida News

WASHINGTON—Today, Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee Chairman Aaron Bean (FL-04) delivered a statement at a hearing titled "Protecting Missing and Exploited Children." Chairman Bean began by expressing gratitude towards Ms. DeLaune for her service to missing children and emphasized that the safety and protection of children are a top priority for the Committee.

Chairman Bean then provided a brief overview of the world he grew up in, highlighting the shift in society's perception of unsupervised outdoor activities and the increasing concerns about child safety. He mentioned the Missing Children’s Assistance Act (MCAA), signed by President Ronald Reagan in response to high-profile child abductions, which led to the establishment of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in 1984. Chairman Bean emphasized that NCMEC played a crucial role in protecting children from abduction, exploitation, and abuse, assisting authorities with nearly 30,000 cases in 2023 alone.

The Chairman highlighted the range of vital activities undertaken by NCMEC, including locating missing children and providing support to victims of abduction and sexual exploitation. He commended NCMEC for its 24/7 CyperTipline, which has assisted law enforcement in the investigation of suspected child exploitation and has received over 183 million reports since its establishment in 1998. Chairman Bean also praised NCMEC's prevention and education initiatives, such as Team HOPE, which raises awareness about online safety, human trafficking, and the risks children may face in the digital age.

In the context of the recent criticism faced by big tech CEOs for child exploitation on their platforms, Chairman Bean emphasized the importance of NCMEC's work in combating child exploitation on social media. He recognized NCMEC's partnerships with law enforcement and the private sector in developing innovative solutions to address evolving online threats against children.

Chairman Bean highlighted that NCMEC's commitment extends beyond the United States, as they collaborate with international organizations to combat the global issue of child exploitation. He emphasized the importance of united efforts in the interconnected world to tackle international trafficking threats.

To support NCMEC in its mission, Chairman Bean introduced the Missing Children’s Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2023, which aims to update the law and provide NCMEC with additional tools. He quoted President Reagan, who had remarked during the opening ceremony for NCMEC, "All Americans, and especially our youth, should have the right and the opportunity to walk our streets, to play and to grow and to live their lives without being at risk." Chairman Bean echoed this sentiment, expressing his desire for a safe upbringing for future generations and highlighting NCMEC as an indispensable partner in achieving that goal.

In conclusion, Chairman Bean's opening remarks at the hearing on Protecting Missing and Exploited Children emphasized the importance of NCMEC's work in safeguarding children from abduction, exploitation, and abuse. He recognized NCMEC's accomplishments, such as the CyperTipline and prevention initiatives, and highlighted the need for continued support through legislation to update the law and provide NCMEC with necessary tools. Chairman Bean reiterated the shared goal of ensuring a safe environment for all children to grow, thrive, and live their lives without being at risk.