[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 9, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CRIME CONTROL ACT SHOULD INCLUDE ALL YOUTH UNDER 21

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 9, 1998

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my sincerest thoughts 
and prayers to everyone who has had to endure the extraordinary 
dreadful experience of having a loved one abruptly disappear. In 
particular, my deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Suzanne 
Lyall. Suzanne, a resident of Ballston Spa, NY, vanished from her life 
as a student at SUNY Albany in March of this year. Campus security, 
local police, and the FBI have all investigated the matter with no 
success. In this case, the authorities did not hesitate to report the 
disappearance to the National Crime Information Center and the State 
Missing and Exploited Children Clearinghouse. Notification to these 
agencies automatically alerts and links crucial information to the 
appropriate authorities nationwide. However, this immediate and vital 
action is not required by law, and I believe it should be!
  Currently, the Crime Control Act of 1990 requires that all state and 
local law enforcement agencies impose a 24 hour waiting period before 
accepting reports of missing persons over the age of 17. Mr. Speaker, I 
have introduced legislation that amends the Crime Control Act to 
include persons up to 21 years of age. I feel that this legislation is 
necessary to ensure that all cases dealing with missing youths under 
the age of 21 are handled without hesitation. When investigating any 
disappearance, time is of the essence. My bill would allow law 
enforcement agencies to contact the National Crime Information Center 
and the State Missing and Exploited Children Clearinghouse immediately. 
This slight change in the law might make the difference in a missing 
persons case, and help to reunite a family. I urge all of my colleagues 
to consider this important bill.

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