Washington, DC – The Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation today authored by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) to clarify the authority of the U.S. Marshals to help track down sex offenders and find missing children. The Strengthening Investigations of Sex Offenders and Missing Children Act of 2011 (S.1792) would make it clear that the U.S. Marshals Service is allowed, upon request, to assist state and local law enforcement in investigating missing children cases. The bill also clarifies the authority of the Marshals Service to assist other law enforcement agencies in investigating sex offender and missing children cases.
“Time is of the essence when children are abducted,” said Whitehouse. “U.S. Marshals have the experience and tools to quickly identify and track down fugitives and missing persons. This common-sense legislation will clear the way for effective coordination of federal and local efforts.”
The bipartisan measure, cosponsored by Sens. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), was favorably reported to the full Senate by unanimous voice vote.
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