Video of the LRA Disarmament bill passing Congress
Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act, by voice vote without a single objection.
Over the course of 30 minutes, seven Congress members spoke on behalf of the bill, calling on President Obama, in response to the atrocities being committed in central east Africa, to form a plan to remove Joseph Kony from the battlefield. Eight additional Members of Congress submitted written statements expressing their support for the bill.
Can you believe it? The leaders of our nation, for 30 MINUTES, stated and restated the atrocities committed by Joseph Kony and the urgent need for a strong response from the United States.
As if that weren’t enough, America’s young activists got their recognition too.
This 2-minute highlight reel cuts together some of the most spine-tingling portions of the speeches. Be proud. They are talking about you.
We can still only marvel that the youth of America made so much noise that their Congressmen and women felt compelled to mention their efforts on the floor of the House of Representatives.
We celebrate this victory with our partners Resolve: Uganda and Enough Project. You can be sure that at 3:30 PDT yesterday, the entire Invisible Children office was gathered in the conference room, breathlessly watching history be made. (The picture below was taken right after Invisible Children was mentioned by name, hence Jason’s ninja kick)
We celebrate this victory wholeheartedly, but we know that our work is not yet finished. Now we must pressure the Obama Administration to follow through on this important mandate, to set a precedent for justice, and to protect these children who have too long been trapped in a war against their will. We will see them come home.
This victory is yours, and we want you to know everything that there is to know.
This Q&A was put together by Resolve Uganda will answer every question you have about the significance of the bill and what will happen next.
You can watch all of yesterday’s speeches about the LRA/Uganda bill here (28 minutes).
This video express our thanks to you, our supporters, and illustrates just how much has been accomplished since The Rescue.
Jennifer
This is such a wonderful act! In this moment I am more proud of my generation and country than ever before. Washington has finally felt our compassion for these children! I cannot believe that this day has come! Great work!
May 13, 2010 @ 4:39 pm
Rachael Anne
Okay… now I’m crying. Made it through yesterday just celebrating… but to actually see it happen, to hear the words of the Congressmen and women, to once again feel such gratitude for Invisible Children and your determination to stick with this movement… WOW!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
May 13, 2010 @ 4:41 pm
alex
I can’t believe this is finally happening! I am so proud of my generation. we made it happen guys! we DO have a voice, and this is proof of that :) I am unbelievably happy right now.
May 13, 2010 @ 5:21 pm
Prisca
So awesome! Our voices will be heard! Invisible Children, you’re awesome! Press on!
May 13, 2010 @ 5:39 pm
Olivia
I cannot stop myself from crying! I cannot believe this is really happening!! I never thought that the efforts of my friends and I, who are not yet eligible to vote, could make a difference like this. I mean, this is a MAJOR step towards justice in the world! I am ecstatic about this monumental progress we have achieved. Congratulations to all! Let us keep up the good work and PRESS ON!
May 13, 2010 @ 6:16 pm
Andrew (Aussie)
What a great achievement! They have heard the word of the people, this is a fantastic step forward. Well done to everyone at Invisible Children and everyone who has supported the children of Uganda!
May 13, 2010 @ 6:40 pm
Vanessa
I can’t believe it! It finally happened! I remember, just over a year ago, sleeping in front of a library fro this cause! These children are no longer be INVISIBLE!!
May 13, 2010 @ 6:47 pm
philip
Speechless, Just speechless… Is this for real somebody pinch me!!!!
May 13, 2010 @ 7:17 pm
Sherrie Sutton
Tears Out Loud! Thank you to all who partnered and worked tirelessly to see this thing pass. Working in the mission field, we see the devastation dealt by jk’s evil hand. The people of Uganda will thank you by rising to the occation. God Bless You!
May 13, 2010 @ 9:29 pm
Vesko Ignatov, Jr.
One Big Amen!!!
May 13, 2010 @ 9:53 pm
Carly
I’m so happy! I watched this all at school and I screamed when I heard they passed! My teacher kind of freaked but it was worth it to see you guys get this far. :)
Happy Days,
Carly
May 14, 2010 @ 3:51 am
rob
bringing tears to me eyes
May 14, 2010 @ 6:43 am
Richard Mark
Honestly, “I am floating in the air”. Injustice where are your guards, the voice of people is against you.
May 14, 2010 @ 7:23 am
Virginia DiFrancesco
Kudo’s to all the young people that worked so hard to get this passed. I am especially proud of my grandaughter, Meghan Smith. You go girl….I love you all.
May 14, 2010 @ 8:39 am
Jess
This is so exciting!
May 14, 2010 @ 11:22 am
Catta-Leigh
I can’t tell you how happy I was when I heard this! congradualtions to everyone at IC and everyone else who helped make this happen!
May 14, 2010 @ 12:34 pm
Alex
In the words of Neil Pasricha, this is just
AWESOME!
May 14, 2010 @ 4:49 pm
Alexis
Our generation is the movement, and i love how we have made such an incredible impact. One act at a time, we will save this world.
Good job everyone who took part in this, i’ve never felt so proud!
May 14, 2010 @ 9:29 pm
Chris Catron
My family and I have attended multiple Invisible Children events, all of which were informative and inspiring. Still, I didn’t know if anyone in power would actually pay attention… I’m so proud of this! I can’t wait to call my mom and brother. Thanks to the filmmakers who made us ALL see!
May 15, 2010 @ 9:08 am
Kaitlyn Spence
I have never been able to physically be at any IC events, but I’ve supported IC for over almost 2 years now, and i’ve spread the word and done everything I could.
I am so proud of everyone who participated and was involved with IC in anyway. This is such an amazing event. I’m really kinda speechless. I nearly cried of joy when i found out the bill passed congress
May 15, 2010 @ 3:07 pm
Emily
One of the best things I’ve ever heard. We did it!
May 16, 2010 @ 9:09 am
Tessa
i’m crying tears of joy this is absolutely incredible :)
May 16, 2010 @ 5:19 pm
Hayly Charest
This is such a wonderful victory to not only the people involved here in the United States, but most of all to the children in Uganda. We have gotten this far, but we still have a ways to go. This is a huge step in the right direction and I am more than excited to see the rest of the work we can do!
May 17, 2010 @ 7:54 am
Candy
I can only imagine the pride and justice you must feel having accomplished such an achievement in human rights. While I am a new found supporter having just learned of IC this year, I feel honored to know you and can’t wait to help you raise money to keep this movement on the forefront. So stoked for you and all of your supporters who have been there from day one…well done.
May 17, 2010 @ 9:58 am
Colleen
Amen and amen. I pray that all of this will come to bring real and lasting results SOON for the children of Africa. God bless all your efforts.
May 18, 2010 @ 12:26 pm
Rebecca Larsen
I was so excited when I heard the news that I was literally jumping up and down. It’s time for a change, no longer will these children have to suffer at the hands of a mad man!
May 18, 2010 @ 4:40 pm
Mary
THANK YOU,THANK YOU,THANK YOU! Our God is an awesome God for hearing so many prayers and giving you strength to keep up the fight. I have witnessed just a part of your struggle as your members would join Gulu Walks in DC, try to get the children’s story of suffering out there through the DVDs, etc. May the Almighty continue to bless you all for as you have done it to the least of these (our Invisible Children who were always visible to their Creator) you have done it unto Him!
May 19, 2010 @ 8:21 am
Kayte
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 19, 2010 @ 9:54 am
Brenna
I just want to start off by saying that i am so happy to know that every single person who has put forth effort into this program has finally gotten the satisfaction of knowing that our nation is FINALLY doing something towards this problem. I have done everything to help towards this program since 2007, when i heard about grace’s story at a youth group. Since then i have bought every braclet and and two documetaries, along with three shirts. I have done everything in my power to spread the news about these children, i have told teachers, friends, and anyone interested in their stories, and i will continue doing so.You guys have inspired me so much, you guys are truley my hero’s!
May 19, 2010 @ 1:33 pm
Raquel Ribeiro
PRAIS GOD!!! Many of those children dont even know that this has happend or that there are SO MANY people woking to save them. but when they do….wow
its all worth it. thank you thank you thank you.
May 19, 2010 @ 2:00 pm
Toni
Wow. I’m speechless. It is so amazing, that so many people supported this and made this problem visible. I hope this will bring positive changes that last.
May 24, 2010 @ 8:35 am
Karen Warne
THANK YOU GOD!!!!!!!!!
May 24, 2010 @ 2:43 pm
Annie Estola
THANK YOU JESUS AND INVISIBLE CHILDREN!!!!!!!
May 25, 2010 @ 12:15 pm
Stacy
I’m so proud to be apart of all of this.
May 26, 2010 @ 5:47 am
Tuvia Bailey
I’m crying right now out of happiness. I’m having a huge celebration in Spokane next weekend, everyone is invited to it. It’s a potluck, I’ll send out more infor later.
May 26, 2010 @ 8:54 am
Colleen
This is awesome I am so excited!!!! Congratulations all of you who worked so hard! Shows that hard work really does pay off. I hope this leads to solving all the problems in Uganda. I am so happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 26, 2010 @ 5:20 pm
S
when i heard that this passed i could not contain my absolute happiness & pride :) i feel as if my efforts have actual been heard & that my generation will actually have things to be proud of & tell our children we were apart of.
May 27, 2010 @ 6:25 am
Skylar Duran
this is seriously one of the greatest events in human history to c such a CHANGE that everyone was able to do is extremely inspiring i cant help but get choked up to see the power and love that the invisible children team has to offer its such a surreal feeling to know after all the hard work we have made change through striving and standing up for what is right thanks everybody truly inspiration
May 27, 2010 @ 9:14 pm
Mathew
I am sure this means you will all be enlisting in the military so that you can put your life on the line to protect the children of Uganda.
We live in a cruel world, but no American family should have their soldier not come home because they died defending the children of another country. Our military is for defending Americans, not for policing the world.
May 28, 2010 @ 6:22 am
Nathanael
Wow. Thank you Invisible Children. Yhank you God. To echo others, I am more proud of our generation than ever before. Mountains are moving!
May 28, 2010 @ 7:28 am
Rachel
I know I’m a little late commenting on this, but when I first saw it I was just so speechless. This is progress. This is a deserved step forward.
May 29, 2010 @ 2:37 pm
Jason
I was speechless too. I know these young leaders are wise in not pushing their faith on other people, but I have to give credit where it is due: I know that it’s the Lord Jesus, the One who created everything and who walked among us, who fills these brothers with the power and love that gets good done and stops evil. May we all follow their example of faith and courage. Well, it looks like we have. Look what we did together!
May 31, 2010 @ 11:55 pm
stephanie
I’m in tears. This is absolutely amazing. I’m simultaneously proud and humbled to have been a part of this. Let’s keep it moving in the right direction. Congratulations everyone.
Jun 02, 2010 @ 8:32 am
Aprii
YES!!!!!! YES YES YES YES!!!
Jun 04, 2010 @ 10:34 am
Caitlin
I love the Invisible Children… the Invisible Children are my inspiration. They are corageous, strong, and hopeful. Right now I am actually doing a research project for History class on Uganda, and the Invisible Children… they are just… again… my inspiration… there are not many phrases as strong as “I LOVE YOU”!!! So I must say… I LOVE THE INVISIBLE CHILDREN!!!
I hope Mathew learns to be more understanding of what this means, and how amazingly happy this could bring ALL of the people in Uganda… remember… not only the Invisible Children are scared of the war.
Jun 05, 2010 @ 4:58 pm
Zoe
Freaking YUS! Keep spreading the word, guys!
Jun 07, 2010 @ 9:05 am
Jessica
Since my earliest childhood memories I can recall weeping for those burdened in Africa.
I couldn’t even go to sleep without praying for the kids I saw on TV. Now 31, and living on purpose to dismantle the matrix of media that easily consumes us (me), & distracts me from “the least of these,” I have promised myself and God to never ignore these faces that hope we see them, and won’t forget them.
Still having given to org. supporting world poverty, and hearing about genocide, even seeing this in a movie, I was still blind to this. Today I still weep for them, but now with intention, action, & knowing that it is up to us,individually, that it does make a difference. And I weep with tears of joy, justice, and thanksgiving for your selflessness. You have changed their lives as well as mine.
Thank you!
GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!
Jun 07, 2010 @ 11:45 am
Scott Mortensen
beyond cool. (it says my comment is too short but seriously, what else can a person say?)
Jun 07, 2010 @ 8:24 pm
Ali Miller
Finally. This is amazingggg:]
Jun 09, 2010 @ 5:49 pm
McKenzie
I cried tears of joy when I heard the news. My cousin just keeps looking at me like I am insane. This is beyond amazing!
Jun 13, 2010 @ 6:29 pm
David
you guys are unbelivable
Jun 16, 2010 @ 7:55 am
Bob Vlahakis
Tremendous! You guys are the best! Congrats on a wonderful job! Activism does work – haven’t felt this good since the 60’s!
Jun 16, 2010 @ 11:16 am
Ely
This is such a blessing! Though I can’t donate much money to this whole thing, I do it because someone needs it over there! I’m glad that the US recognizes the need to help. Keep goin’ strong young activists!!!!!♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ My heart goes out to those children!
Jun 25, 2010 @ 8:38 pm
Matt
When invisible children came to the high school, people considered it foolish, impossible, and won’t change anything except create another hundred sympathetic hearts. When this was passed, I could honestly say to them, “You were wrong. And I hope you always will be.” Invisible Children FTW
Jun 28, 2010 @ 11:42 am
Jen
This is awesome. I’ve been following this forever and couldn’t be a roadie or go to Africa because of school and lack of money. I love that this all originates in my home town in Spring Valley, San Diego and I joined the Marine Corps in 2009 with the hope of getting involved with this. Now, with this bill in place, I have the chance to get myself attached with a unit that might participate in this operation. Good job guys!
Jun 29, 2010 @ 8:55 pm
Jake
Does this mean we’re finally sending support to Uganda? TRULY? YYYEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jul 20, 2010 @ 11:22 am
Kate Smith
So… . .when will action come as a result of this bill that was passed months ago? I have been hearing gut wrenching stories of escalating violence in the region on the BBC. Its mid August now, the bill was passed in May, what has been done? Will the horrors never end?
Aug 16, 2010 @ 10:19 pm
Dennis Buttimer
Congratulations on an unprecedented vote by Congress! Now let’s put the pressure on the Administration to truly follow-through on its promises to these desperate, enslaved children! It’s wonderful to realize the power of our voices, particularly on such an important, non-partisan cause.
Aug 18, 2010 @ 11:54 am
Melyssa
My friends and I have been waiting for this day forever and now we’re just finding out about it. this is great now those kids can free to live and Josef Kony can’t hurt them much longer.
Aug 27, 2010 @ 11:56 am
Jasmine
We are all so glad that all the kids that haven’t been captured by Josef Kony will live their lives like normal kids and can do what they want instead of being hurt or anything because of Josef Kony ! YEAH WE DID IT!!!!!!
Aug 27, 2010 @ 11:59 am
Nicole
I am so moved and reinvigorated- keep reminding us to not forget. Love and Hope, Nicole
Aug 29, 2010 @ 6:28 pm