UNICEF USA Recognizes Four Members of Congress for Protecting and Advancing Children’s Rights
NEW YORK (November 20, 2025) – To commemorate World Children’s Day, UNICEF USA recognized Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL), and Representative Julia Letlow (R-LA) for their leadership in advocating for policies that improve safety and stability for children around the world.
UNICEF USA President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis presented the awards to the members of Congress on Capitol Hill, personally thanking the recipients and urging this year’s honorees to continue building momentum in support of children’s rights.
“We are proud to recognize Senators Collins and Ossoff, and Reps. Frankel and Letlow, for continuing to invest in children’s health, education and wellbeing,” said Michael J. Nyenhuis. “Their strong leadership on these critical issues underscores the continued bipartisan commitment needed to ensure the safety and security of children around the world.”
Sen. Jon Ossoff, who currently serves on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, was recognized for his efforts to promote policies that combat child trafficking, protect children online, strengthen pediatric health care and ensure funding for vital humanitarian programs, including introducing an amendment to the Rescissions Act of 2025 to protect U.S. funding for UNICEF.
“Nothing matters more than the safety of children. That’s why I’ve worked in the Senate to protect kids online, investigate child abuse, fight child traffickers and strengthen pediatric health care. I’m grateful for the extraordinary work of UNICEF USA standing up for kids in America and around the world,” said Sen. Jon Ossoff.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins, a longtime supporter of children’s rights and foreign aid, was honored for her continued commitment to funding humanitarian efforts that support children in need. Sen. Collins was one of only two Senate Republicans who voted in support of the amendment to the Rescissions Act of 2025 to protect U.S. funding for UNICEF.
“Receiving this award means a great deal to me, and I’m grateful to UNICEF for this recognition,” said Sen. Collins. “Supporting legislation that improves outcomes for children throughout the world continues to be one of my top priorities. That is one of the primary reasons why I opposed the rescissions package this summer, which included cuts to UNICEF and other global health programs that have been so impactful across the world. I will continue to be a champion for UNICEF and the critical work you do.”
Rep. Lois Frankel, the lead Democrat on the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs House Appropriations Subcommittee, was recognized for her commitment to championing programs in education, health and nutrition that serve millions of children globally.
“Protecting the safety, stability and dignity of children around the world is one of our most urgent moral responsibilities,” said Rep. Frankel. “I am proud to support UNICEF’s work to ensure every child has the chance to learn, to thrive and to grow up in peace.”
Rep. Julia Letlow, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State and Related Programs, was honored for her leadership in prioritizing anti-child trafficking and education efforts in Congress.
“The safety and security of America’s children is vital for the future of our country,” said Rep. Letlow. “I am thankful for the recognition from UNICEF USA, an organization that has worked tirelessly for decades to ensure children are safe from harm, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to promote the health and safety of our children.”
Members of UNICEF USA’s National Youth Council, a dedicated group of young leaders, ages 14-24, who work within UNICEF USA and nationwide to voice the concerns and viewpoints of children and young people, chimed in to congratulate the honorees and thank them for their contributions to advancing children’s rights and well-being.
“It is important to me that U.S. policymakers support legislation to advance child well-being because this in turn helps to co-create a narrative of care and compassion for our future generations,” said 17-year-old Xavier Juarez. “By supporting legislation that advances a child’s well-being, you increase their access to living a life that they, and all of us, deserve. These U.S. policymakers understand that, and I am at ease knowing there are more of us fighting to advance these rights of children.”
Every year on World Children’s Day, UNICEF USA recognizes federal lawmakers who lead by example in prioritizing efforts to protect children’s rights. The awards aim to encourage leaders in Washington to recommit to investing in critical programs that protect the health and safety of children in the United States and around the world.
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ABOUT UNICEF USA
UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.
For more information please contact:
Erica Vogel, UNICEF USA, (917) 720-1415, evogel@unicefusa.org