ICC Note:

The successful passage of the first bill on t Boko Haram  is a major stride being made by the U.S. to defeat one of the deadliest terrorist groups in the world. The bill was introduced after the abduction of over 200 Chibok girls were abducted by Boko Haram during the night in 2015.     In a press release, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (Fl) said, “We will continue to wear red every Wednesday until the last Chibok girl being held hostage has returned home,” said Congresswoman Wilson. “If the world does not act and come to Nigeria’s aid, the trickle down effect on the rest of the continent and other parts of the world could cause a level of damage that will take years to repair. More important, it is simply the right thing to do and will help save millions of lives.”  21 girls were released by Boko Haram in October.  Over 195 girls remain in captivity.

12/8/2016 Washington D.C. (Portland Press Herald) – A bill drafted by Sen. Susan Collins to counter the terrorist threat of Boko Haram in Nigeria and other African nations won unanimous support Wednesday in the House and awaits the president’s signature.

Collins, R-Maine, submitted the bipartisan legislation after members of Boko Haram stormed a Nigerian secondary school in 2014 and kidnapped 276 girls at gunpoint. The Senate passed the bill in September 2015.

The legislation calls for a new five-year U.S. government strategy to counter the threat of Boko Haram and assist the government of Nigeria in addressing the grievances of vulnerable populations affected by this terrorist group.

“By definition, Boko Haram means Western education is forbidden,” Collins said in a news release. “I urge the president to immediately sign this bill into law and send an international signal that we will never forget the girls of Nigeria who were targeted simply because they chose to pursue an education.”