House Passes Biggs/luján Legislation To Ensure Tribal Communities Have Full Access To Amber Alert System

Press Release

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Ashlynne Mike AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act, bipartisan legislation that was cosponsored by Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). The bill provides funding and other support for expanding the AMBER Alert system to provide full access for those on Tribal lands. A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

Congressmen Biggs and Luján, along with Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, and Ms. Pamela Foster issued the following statements:

"It is gratifying to join my colleagues of both parties as we change policy that saves lives. While many of the issues Congress debates are politically charged, we put our differences aside to pass bills such as the Ashlynne Mike AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act. Ms. Pamela Foster, the mother of Ashlynne Mike, has turned the grief she felt at her daughter's abduction and murder into the hope of making the AMBER Alert program available everywhere in America. Without Ms. Foster's bravery and perseverance, this bill would not be a reality. I thank her for her efforts -- and those of Senator John McCain, House leadership and staff, Chairman Goodlatte and House Judiciary Staff, my House colleagues, and many Arizona advocates. Together, we are assuring that ALL children are protected by the jurisdiction of the AMBER Alert system." -- Congressman Andy Biggs

"This legislation has one goal -- saving children's lives, and I am proud to be a co-sponsor. The Amber Alert system works best within the first five hours a child goes missing, and by ensuring that tribal law enforcement, first responders and those living in Indian country have full access to the AMBER Alert system, we dramatically increase the chances of a child being found alive and unharmed." -- Congressman Ben Ray Luján

Source