Reps. Sak, Accavitti, Anderson, Bieda, Caul, Ehardt, Farrah, Paletko, Plakas, Sheltrown, Spade, Stakoe, Waters, Clack, DeRossett, Elkins, Farhat, Garfield, Gieleghem, Hopgood, Lipsey, Vander Veen, Woodward, Jamnick, Kolb, Kooiman, LaJoy, McConico, Shaffer, Wojno, Rivet, Brandenburg, Caswell, Gleason, Murphy and Reeves offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 29.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to create a national Amber Alert system.

            Whereas, The recent case of the Utah girl returned to her family after months of anguish and fear has illustrated once again the need for a more coordinated approach to dealing with child abduction.  The case has generated an outpouring of renewed support for the passage of federal legislation to create a national Amber Alert system; and

            Whereas, The Amber Alert strategy, which is used in many states, including Michigan, incorporates law enforcement personnel and resources with broadcast media.  When activated, the Amber Alert system results in the dissemination of information across radio and television stations, which heightens public vigilance.  While this system cannot save every abducted child whose life is threatened, the system has helped many families, especially in the crucial first hours of an abduction; and

            Whereas, The overall impact of the Amber Alert efforts to date is not nearly as effective as it could be.  A national approach would greatly increase its effectiveness across state lines.  Legislation currently before Congress would create a national Amber Alert network.  It includes funding for communications and assistance to law enforcement agencies and communities.  This legislation, which has been languishing, needs to be enacted without further delay; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to create a national Amber Alert system; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.