Defines "child marriage" as the marriage of a girl or boy not yet the minimum age for marriage stipulated in law in the country in which the girl or boy is a resident, or where there is no such law, under the age of 18.

Introduced by Senator Richard Durbin (Democrat from Illinois) on February 17, Cosponsors (including both Senators from CA: Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein) 112 th Congress

2/17/2011: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations 2/14/2012: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably. 5/23/2012: Reported by Senator Kerry (head) without amendment. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No /24/2012: Passed Senate without amendment by unanimous Voice Vote. 5/25/2012: Message on Senate action sent to the House. 5/29/2012: Received in the House and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

76 % in Niger 74 % in the Democratic Republic of Congo 54 % in Afghanistan 50 % in India 51 % in Bangladesh

the President is authorized to provide assistance to prevent child marriage in developing countries, and to promote the educational, health, economic, social, and legal empowerment of girls and women. Priority should be given to areas or regions in developing countries in which 40 percent or more of girls under the age of 18 are married.

Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, requiring the State Department to report on this harmful practice in its annual human rights report Integrating child marriage prevention efforts into existing development programs

 Child marriage is a violation of human rights.  Child marriage undermines U.S. investments in foreign assistance to improve women's and girls' education, health, economic and legal status.  Although families marry off their daughters to ensure safety and support, these young girls often face a greater risk of violence within marriage.  Delaying marriage and providing quality sexuality education will help reduce maternal mortality and other illnesses, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, while improving the health of future children.  In many developing countries, the leading causes of death for girls aged are complications related to pregnancy and childbirth.

The United Nations Population Fund

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen sent a letter to House Republicans urging them to oppose the bill on the basis that it would cost approximately $108 million. House Majority leader Eric Cantor’s office contended that the bill should be voted against based on “pro-life” concerns.