04/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/16/2024 21:35
"ORR is entrusted with the care of tens of thousands of children each year. Given the disturbing rise in child labor exploitation, Congress has a responsibility to conduct effective oversight of this critical agency," said Rep. Eshoo. "By mandating greater transparency, my legislation empowers Congress and civil society to play a more active role in monitoring and shaping ORR's processes for the benefit of children."
The Transparency for Unaccompanied Children Act requires ORR to issue publicly accessible reports each month about the Unaccompanied Children Program. The reports must contain the following information:
In May 2023, following the New York Times' groundbreaking reporting on child labor exploitation, Rep. Eshoo led 25 Democratic colleagues in writing to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to inquire about HHS' efforts to protect children from exploitation and abuse. A PDF of the letter can be found HERE.
In July 2023, Rep. Eshoo questioned Secretary Becerra about this issue during an Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the Unaccompanied Children Program. A video of Rep. Eshoo's exchange with Secretary Becerra can be found HERE.
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