Orrin Hatch: “today I am proud to support passage of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Authorization Act of 1998.…”

“today I am proud to support passage of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Authorization Act of 1998. This bill recognizes the outstanding record of achievements of this outstanding organization and will enable NCMEC to provide even greater protection of our Nation's children in the future. In addition, I am offering an amendment with the text of the Child Exploitation Sentencing Enhancements Act along with the sponsors of that legislation, S. 900, Senators Feingold and DeWine. Lastly, I urge the Senate to accept an amendment offered by Senator Leahy and myself to reauthorize the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act and for other purposes. The underlying bill, S. 2073, authorizes appropriations for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. As part of the Missing Children's Assistance Act, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention has selected and given grants to the Center for the last 14 years to operate a national resource center located in Arlington, Virginia and a national 24-hour toll-free telephone line. the Center provides invaluable assistance and training to law enforcement around the country in cases of missing and exploited children. the Center's record is quite impressive, and its efforts have led directly to a significant increase in the percentage of missing children who are recovered safely.”