"AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act" to Receive House Vote Next Week

GILBERT, ARIZONA – Today, U.S. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy announced that the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act would receive consideration for floor passage on Monday night. Congressman Biggs, the sponsor of this legislation, released the following statement:

"Almost two years ago, 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike was abducted by a stranger, abused, and murdered. She died alone. Ashlynne might still be alive but for a gap in the original AMBER Alert legislation, which omitted the use of this program on tribal lands. This was an avoidable tragedy, but Congress has taken corrective action with the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act.

"I'm extremely thankful for the commitment from Speaker Ryan, Leader McCarthy, Whip Scalise, and Chairman Goodlatte to bring this bipartisan bill to the House floor; and for Senator John McCain, who championed this in the Senate. I'm also grateful for the heroic advocacy from Ashlynne's mother, Pamela Foster, without whom, this legislation would not have been a reality. I appreciate the efforts of many friends in Arizona to support this lifesaving policy, including Attorney General Mark Brnovich and Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. All of these individuals - and many of my colleagues - understand that all children - regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, or birthplace - should be protected by the jurisdiction of the AMBER Alert system. I am hopeful for passage of this bill next week."

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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.