Crapo Lauds Presidentâ??s Signing Of Amber Alert Into Law

Washington, DC â?? Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is joining with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in hailing todayâ??s signing of the AMBER Alert law by President George W. Bush as perhaps the â??most far-reaching legislation to date to protect Americaâ??s children.â?? Crapo, an early supporter and sponsor of the AMBER Alert legislation, noted, â??early public warnings about missing children have proven to be the most effective way to see them found safely.â?? The PROTECT Act of 2003, signed by the President today, includes the AMBER Alert provisions for broadcast emergency response alerts regarding missing children. Crapo said, â??This bill contains the training, the resources, and the funding to help states establish AMBER Alert programs for missing children. It also helps coordinate actions between the federal, state, and local jurisdiction so we can put forward the best response possible when a child is missing,â?? Crapo said.The bill also contains other provisions to prevent, investigate, and prosecute violent crimes against children, including language enhancing the penalties for those involved in child pornography and who commit multiple offenses against children. Crapo said he hopes the $30 million contained in the bill for local AMBER Alert systems can speed the development of local plans by adding assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Transportation.Crapoâ??s comments on the AMBER Alert provisions becoming law is available:1:45â??2:15 p.m. Mountain Time/ 12:45â??1:45 p.m. PacificGalaxy 3 (C-Band)Transponder 7 HorizontalDownlink Frequency 3840Standard Audio# # #FOR INTERESTED MEDIA: A radio actuality is available by calling 1-800-545-1267. Press 327 at any time during or after the greeting and instructions. If you encounter any difficulties with the system, please contact Susan Wheeler at the above number. You can also access the actuality through the Internet at http://crapo.senate.gov.