Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2174, the Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act, a bipartisan measure aimed at assisting State and local governments to locate missing people and identify human remains. This bill not only authorizes grant funding to States and localities for such purposes, but it also improves the Federal Government's data collection procedures and expands Customs and Border Protection's response to the tragic rise in migrant deaths along our southern border. These changes bring much-needed financial relief to local jurisdictions nationwide and provide a modicum of dignity and consolation to the families of those who have perished. Sadly, there is a pressing need for this legislation. The process by which States and localities and law enforcement agencies must tackle these issues exacts a financial and emotional toll. When remains are found, their identification by State and local law enforcement and medical examiners, often supported by crime and forensic laboratories, provides decedents and their survivors with dignity and respect. But bringing closure to these families is costly. State and local entities must transport, preserve the remains, perform autopsies, attempt DNA testing, and conduct forensic examinations. These tasks can be particularly burdensome on small jurisdictions that often have to rely on State support to carry out these complex tasks.…”