Skip to main content

Transcript of Pelosi Remarks at Moment of Silence for Kidnapped Girls, Young Women in Nigeria

May 6, 2014

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks today at a moment of silence on the Capitol steps calling for the release and safe return of hundreds of girls and young women who were kidnapped from a rural school in Nigeria. Below is a transcript of the Leader's remarks:

"We want to salute the women of the Senate for the bipartisan approach that they are taking – and the men as well. But, I also associate myself with the remarks of my colleague, Karen Bass, who is our Ranking Member on the Africa Subcommittee of the Foreign Affairs Committee. So, she has been tracking this issue for a while.

"It is clear that what has happened in Nigeria is outside the circle of civilized human behavior. It is clear that kidnapping these girls challenges the conscience of the world in a very specific and different way. And maybe just that difference may be something that will make a difference.

"I know from being in California – and Senator Boxer and the Congresswoman know as well – that in California, that's what people are talking about. What are we doing about this? How can they have escaped the view? And certainly, what we want to do is pray for their well-being. But we must act upon the concern that we see.

"And maybe just this episode, this incident, this tragedy is of such consequence that it will send a message to the perpetrators that they should not think of ever doing this again. And ‘never again' has been our recurring theme – but they have taken it to new heights. We cannot let that stand.

"Thank you, Reverend Black, for your prayers. Thank you to our colleagues in the House and the Senate for your concern. Thank you to the American people for demanding some action for this. And I yield back to the Reverend."

# # #