[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 41 (Thursday, March 13, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H1816-H1817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              NATION REJOICES IN RETURN OF ELIZABETH SMART

  (Mr. LAMPSON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, the Nation grieved with the Smart family 
when Elizabeth disappeared 9 months ago. As chairman of the 
Congressional Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus, I, and our 
Nation, are overjoyed at her discovery. This is the light at the end of 
the tunnel for her family and friends, something that every parent who 
has a missing child would dream of.
  I want to thank the media, the citizens who paid attention and called 
in leads, and the law enforcement officials who worked so hard on this 
case. This is the ultimate example of the growing cooperation between 
law enforcement, the public, and the media. By working together, people 
become the eyes and ears of law enforcement, increasing their numbers 
by thousands.
  We can learn a great deal from this case. First of all, the parents 
did exactly the right thing and were prepared with current photos and 
information of Elizabeth. This is the most important thing for parents 
to have. Elizabeth's sister was an incredible witness and a

[[Page H1817]]

wonderful example of how kids can play a part in their own and others' 
safety. And we also saw law enforcement officials that handled the case 
well.
  Through cooperation, like what we saw in this case, cooperation of 
the media, the public, witnesses, and the family, we will bring more 
children home.

                          ____________________