Luján Applauds Signing of Historic Legislation to Protect Children

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) applauds President Biden on signing into law the Native American Child Protection Act and Jenna Quin’s Law, two historic pieces of legislation that will help protect children in New Mexico and across the nation.

The Native American Child Protection Act, introduced by Senators Luján and Susan Collins (R-Maine), reauthorizes and reforms three critical programs to ensure that Tribes have the necessary tools to treat, prevent, investigate, and prosecute cases of child abuse and neglect. U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) introduced the House companion bill.

“I’m proud to see President Biden sign the Native American Child Protection Act into law, which was passed in Congress with bipartisan support. In this country, all children deserve grow up without fear of being harmed or neglected,” said Senator Luján. “This legislation is an important step in ensuring that Tribes have access to the resources needed to provide services that reduce trauma and uncertainty for children.”

Jenna Quin’s Law, introduced by Senators Luján, John Cornyn (R-TX), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), allows existing grant funds to be used to train and educate students, teachers, caregivers, and other adults who work with children on how to prevent, recognize, and report child sexual abuse.

“Every child deserves protection from abuse. Ensuring that adults working with children are equipped with the knowledge to identify, prevent, and report child sexual abuse is not just necessary; it’s lifesaving,” said Senator Luján. “Several states, including New Mexico, have successfully implemented trainings to help educators identify and report child abuse. This bipartisan legislation will expand federal resources available to support these lifesaving trainings. I’m proud to see this vital legislation signed into law.”

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