LIEBERMAN INTRODUCES BILL TO ASSIST FAMILIES OF MISSING ADULTS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) introduced legislation to assist the families of missing adults.  The measure, called the Help Find the Missing Act, or Billy’s Law (H.R. 3695), is named for Waterbury-resident Billy Smolinski Jr., who disappeared from his home on August 24, 2004.  The legislation will improve data-sharing about missing people; assist law enforcement in advancing their efforts to compile and track missing persons data; and provide funding to improve, monitor and maintain that data. 

Senator Lieberman issued the following statement:

“As a parent, my heart goes out to every family that has experienced the disappearance of a loved one.  Each year, tens of thousands of Americans go missing, causing heartbreak and loss for people across the country.  Passing Billy’s Law will offer families of missing adults confidence that we are doing everything we can to locate their loved ones.  I thank Jan and Bill Smolinski of Waterbury, Connecticut for their courage and perseverance as they continue the search for their son, Billy Smolinski, Jr., who disappeared without a trace on August 24, 2004.  I am grateful for the support that my colleagues Senator Schumer, Gillibrand, and Merkley have offered for this legislation and remain committed to doing everything possible in the United States Senate to assist families of missing adults.”

# # #