H.R. 423 would authorize the Attorney General to provide grants for organizations to find missing adults.
Detailed Summary
Kristen's Act Reauthorization of 2007- Directs the Attorney General, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, to make grants to public agencies and/or nonprofit private organizations to: (1) maintain a national resource center and information clearinghouse for missing and unidentified adults; (2) maintain a national, interconnected database for tracking missing adults who are determined by law enforcement to be endangered due to age, diminished mental capacity, or the circumstances of disappearance, when foul play is suspected or circumstances are unknown; (3) coordinate public and private programs that locate or recover missing adults or reunite missing adults with their families; (4) provide assistance and training to law enforcement agencies, State and local governments, elements of the criminal justice system, nonprofit organizations, and individuals in the prevention, investigation, prosecution, and treatment of cases involving missing adults; (5) provide assistance to families in locating and recovering missing adults; and (6) assist in public notification and victim advocacy related to missing adults.
Directs the Attorney General, through the Director, to: (1) coordinate Government-funded programs relating to missing adults; and (2) provide the public agencies or nonprofit private organizations receiving grants to maintain a national resource center and information clearinghouse for missing and unidentified adults with access to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime Information Center.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 7/15/2008: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Points in Favor
The FBI recently released statistics for missing persons as of Dec 31, 2007. The report shows that of the roughly 100,000 missing persons cases being tracked by the FBI, ~48% are adults (See DOJ press release, http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel08/ncic2007stats053008.htm and associated report) . The bill renewing funding for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children [NCMEC] was signed by the President on June 3, 2008 (P.L. 110-240) but the companion bill renewing funding for the National Center for Missing Adults [NCMA] awaits action in the House Judiciary Committee. As of this writing, Rep Myrick's bill has 24 cosponsors and no objections to the bill have been voiced.
NCMA has provided essential service to both families and law enforcement agencies for 14 years and is endorsed by over 300 law enforcement agencies. They provided crucial infrastructure and resources in the location and identification of well over 13,000 adults in the national emergency of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. The cost of the Katrina effort wiped out the financial reserves of NCMA. HR 423 will restore the resources of an exemplary agency, allowing it to continue to provide a valuable public service.
Points Against
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Visitor Comments
MCA
Why is this bill opposed?
Kym L. Pasqualini, CEO
The National Center for Missing Adults has provided outstanding service for over 14 years. It is unacceptable that the US can spend $3 billion “per week” on the Iraq War yet delay funding to an agency that provides necessary emotional support to desperate families throughout the country. Abandoning the families of those missing who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, physical or mental disabilities, or possible victims of foul play is unconscionable. When every minute counts in the effort to recover a missing adult, the delay passing Kristen’s Law Reauthorization mean potential lives lost.
Carolyn
My grandmother went missing June 30, 1999 and niether she nor the car she was driving have been located. While there is an abundance of resources for parents of missing children, there are very few resources for the relatives of missing adults. Having gone through the experience, it would be very beneficial to have additional networking and support provided by an organization that specializes in this type of crime.
Kim Culp
Without NCMA missing adults families would not be able to get there loved ones story out nationally. My mom Georgia Smith disappeared 9 yrs ago without a trace. I still hope her body will be found, without NCMA there would be little hope that anyone would be able to link her remains to us. Thankyou Kym for starting this wonderful ctr. I have sent the bill information to everyone on my email list. Its hard enough to do with this kind of tragedy but then to think no one cares would be devastating.
Sincerly Georgia Smiths daughter,
Kim Smith Culp
Kathleen
I am just learning of NCMA and this Bill today. From what I have read thus far, this seems incredibly worthy of Reauthorization.
Janet Forte
NCMA deserves all the funding it can get. It's been a real resource in raising awareness and supporting families of the missing. My friend, Lilly Aramburo vanished 6/1/07 from Miami, FL. As soon as I contacted NCMA, a volunteer case worker responded and worked really hard to get the case confirmed by the law enforcement agency. The agency ignored calls, emails, etc but the caseworker didn't give up. She contacted me immediately and explained the delay. I'm very grateful to NCMA for everything they do for the missing and their families. Sadly, most people don't realize the importance of the agency until a family member or loved one goes missing. Like Kym said, we can't afford to delay its funding. Their work is that important.
Delilah
It is time for this bill to be passed. Families of missing persons don't always know where to turn when a loved one goes missing. NCMA and other agencies like them, need the necessary resources to continue the valuable work they do for these families.
All you need to do is read the statistice on missing and unidentified persons and you will see what an important role NCMA plays in the lives of these families.
Monica Charbonneau
My daughter Kristen Charbonneau went missing on 8/11/05 and is still missing today. The ONLY organization available to help me was NCMA. Without them I would of been lost. They provided the resources and support thru Hope To Support that the families desperately need. How can our government tell NCMA no money when they give money to other countries to help feed their families?? We fund a war that cost millions of dollars when we have our own wars in the US. And one of those wars is missing adults.
Shame on every politician who votes No. When it comes time for you to be supported I won't be there.