Washington, D.C. — Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. praised his colleagues in the House after they voted to pass his Homeland Security for Children Act (H.R. 2932) with strong bipartisan support and a final vote of 374-11.

The bill would require the Department of Homeland Security to include feedback from organizations representing the needs of children in future department strategies, polices and plans.  It would direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to identify and integrate the needs of children into all emergency preparation, protection, response and recovery activities dealing with natural and man-made disasters as well as terrorist actions.  In addition, it would create a new position of Children’s Technical Expert within FEMA to ensure that the needs of children are addressed and considered during these agency activities.

“I wanted to sponsor this bill because we must make the safety and well-being of children a top priority when we plan for natural and man-made disasters,” said Congressman Payne, Jr.  “When these tragedies occur, it is the children of communities who suffer the most.  As a father of three, I knew this was unacceptable.  A strategic and comprehensive plan regarding the needs of children must be in place before, during and after any emergency.  I believe we have a moral obligation to protect the next generation and I am proud to have strong bipartisan support for this bill in the House of Representatives.”

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