October 2, 2012
Washington – Today, the First Focus Campaign for Children, a national, bipartisan children’s advocacy group, recognized 100 Members of Congress for leadership on issues important to children during the 112th Congress (2011-2012).
“Lots of politicians talk about kids’ issues, but few back it up,” said Bruce Lesley, president of the Campaign for Children. “Champions and Defenders delivered for kids.”
The advocacy organization recognized as “Champions for Children” 50 Members of Congress whose extraordinary efforts to protect and improve the future of America’s next generation. An additional 50 Members were recognized as “Defenders of Children” for their support of policies that advance the well-being of children.
In selecting Champions and Defenders, the First Focus Campaign for Children noted leaders who introduced, co-sponsored, and voted for legislation to meet children’s needs. In addition, the organization considered Members who demonstrated extraordinary initiative by spearheading activities such as sponsoring hearings or garnering the support of their colleagues to improve the health and well-being of children. The 2012 Champions and Defenders are:
2012 Champions for Children
Senate
Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK) |
|
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) |
|
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) |
House
Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) |
|
Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA) |
|
Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI) |
2012 Defenders of Children
Defenders of Children supported efforts to advance policies to improve the well-being of America's children.
Senate
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) |
|
Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) |
|
Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) |
House
Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA) |
|
Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) |
|
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) |
This is the Campaign for Children’s third annual class of Champions for Children. For a complete list of 112th Congress Champions and Defenders and more information about past honorees, visit www.ffcampaignforchildren.org.
###
The First Focus Campaign for Children is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization. The Campaign for Children advocates directly for legislative change in Congress to ensure children and families are a priority in federal policy and budget decisions. For more information, visit www.ffcampaignforchildren.org.
Contact:
Ed Walz
(202) 657-0685 (office)