WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House Judiciary Committee passed H.R. 2666, the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act. Congressman Andy Biggs, the bill’s sponsor, and Chairman Bob Goodlatte released the following statements:
“The AMBER Alert program has been remarkably successful since its inception, helping law enforcement and local communities locate more than 800 abducted children and return them to their homes. I was surprised to learn that this program did not extend to Indian countries, which is the reason why I introduced this bipartisan legislation. No child – regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, or birthplace – should be outside the protection and jurisdiction of such a vital security resource. I am proud to lead this bill and am grateful for Chairman Goodlatte’s commitment to see this legislation through committee.” – Congressman Biggs
“When a child is abducted, a difference of just a few minutes can mean life or death. It is imperative that law enforcement agencies are able to get the word out to the public as soon as possible in child abduction cases in order to help find the child and shield him or her from further harm. While our country has made great strides in alerting the public through the AMBER Alert system, it’s clear that more can and must be done, especially for Native American children. The AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act ensures that critical grants providing AMBER Alert systems are made available to Indian tribes. I thank Congressman Biggs for his devotion to our nation’s children and work on this bill, and call on the House of Representatives to pass it.” – Chairman Goodlatte
Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.
