Survivor Parents Call for Immediate Passage of KOSA at Capitol Rally
Gathering in Washington, D.C. Commemorates the Deadly Toll of Online Harms on Families Nationwide
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — oday, Senator Marsha Blackburn, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, survivor parents, advocates, and representatives gathered on Capitol Hill to urge Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) before the year ends. The event featured emotional testimonials from families who have experienced devastating losses due to online harms. Wrapped presents symbolizing the lives lost since KOSA was introduced served as a stark reminder of the children missing another holiday season — representing only a fraction of the countless lives impacted by social media-driven harms.
ParentsSOS, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, & Action, Fairplay, Accountable Tech, Design It For Us, Issue One, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, and ParentsTogether Action hosted the event amid an outpouring of support from prominent voices in the incoming Trump administration.
Cheryl McCormick Brown, Mother of McKenna Brown, Forever 16, lauded the recent swell of Republican support for KOSA. “The new updates to the Kids Online Safety Act strike the right balance by protecting children from online harms while ensuring free speech is safeguarded,” said Brown. “Bipartisan leaders worked hard to get this right, and recent support from X (formerly Twitter) leadership reinforces that KOSA targets dangerous platform practices — not free expression. Congress must act now to pass this life-saving bill.”
With bipartisan support from the U.S. Senate, which passed KOSA with a 91-3 vote, the bill now awaits a vote in the House of Representatives. Advocates called on Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise to bring the legislation to the floor without delay.
Erin Popolo, Mother of Emily Murillo, Forever 17, praised the bill’s strengthened protections and bipartisan backing. “The Kids Online Safety Act gives parents the tools to protect their children from the dangers of unregulated social media,” said Popolo. “Every concern has been addressed, and bipartisan leaders have ensured its protections are both comprehensive and constitutional. Families can’t wait another day — Congress must act now.”
Mary Rodee, Mother of Riley Basford, Forever 15, emphasized the urgent need for congressional action. “The time for excuses is over,” said Rodee. “KOSA makes clear that saving children’s lives and preserving free speech are not mutually exclusive. Congress must pass this bill now — waiting another year is a cost too high to bear.”
By including KOSA in a year-end package, Congress has a historic opportunity to pass lifesaving legislation that addresses online harms while protecting First Amendment rights. Every concern has been addressed, and families can’t wait another day, speakers concluded.
