House passes resolution condemning Nigerian kidnappings

The House on Tuesday passed a resolution to condemn the abduction of more than 200 Nigerian girls by terrorist group Boko Haram.

The measure, passed by voice vote, came as the House considered five separate bills to provide law enforcement with more resources to combat human trafficking.

{mosads}Boko Haram has threatened to sell the girls, who have been missing for more than a month, into marriage. The extremist group opposes providing Western-style education to women.

“H.Res. 573 puts the House of Representatives firmly on record condemning the atrocious attack and Boko Haram’s violent attacks,” said bill sponsor Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.).

Lawmakers said that the resolution also underscored the U.S. position that an international effort was necessary to find the kidnapped girls and rebuke Boko Haram.

“The brutality of this organization, which now has some 300 young innocent women that are probably being raped and bused in so many ways, just underscores the need for concerted action,” said Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.).

“Their kidnapping is outside the circle of civilized human behavior,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). “We will not rest until we bring back our girls.”

The Senate passed a resolution to condemn the Nigerian kidnappings earlier this month.