NE Florida News

The House of Representatives has passed S. 2051, the Missing Children’s Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2023, in a bipartisan effort to support missing and exploited children. The legislation, championed by various lawmakers, aims to provide crucial updates to assist the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in responding to crimes affecting children and preventing child victimization and exploitation.

Congressman Aaron Bean, one of the authors of the House companion bill, expressed the significance of reauthorizing the MCAA, stating, "As a father of three, I cannot imagine the pain of a missing or exploited child. Reauthorizing the MCAA gives hope and encouragement to loved ones during a time of immense heartbreak and uncertainty."

Joining him in supporting the bill, Congressman Joe Courtney emphasized the importance of maintaining the NCMEC's resources, stating, "With bipartisan House passage of the Missing Children’s Assistance Reauthorization Act, we are ensuring the Center has the latest, up-to-date resources it needs to continue protecting children and supporting families."

Chairwoman Foxx highlighted the vital role of the bipartisan legislation in providing resources and tools for law enforcement to locate missing persons and prevent crimes against children, stating, "Today’s passage of this bill provides NCMEC with vital resources, education, and coordination capabilities to prevent these unthinkable crimes from occurring."

Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott commended the efforts of his colleagues in introducing the Missing Children’s Assistance Reauthorization Act, emphasizing the importance of NCMEC in protecting vulnerable children and supporting families.

The Missing Children’s Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2023 enhances NCMEC's ability to assist law enforcement, develop educational materials to reduce risks of child exploitation, provide support services to missing children and their families, and facilitate the removal of child sexual abuse material from the internet.

The bipartisan legislation underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding children and families, ensuring that vital resources and support systems are in place to address the challenges of child victimization and exploitation.