As many of you already know, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) announced his Bring Them Home Alive Act of 1999 in a February 11th Dear Colleague letter. Senator Campbell introduced that Bill on the Senate floor yesterday, February 25th. The Coalition of Families supports this legislation in furtherance of our search for information about missing American servicemen. At a minimum, it brings needed attention to the POW/MIA issue. At best, it could lead to the return of live American POWs. We thank Senator Campbell for continuing his active support for our missing servicemen.
The Bring Them Home Alive Act basically does two things. First, it grants refugee status to foreign nationals of certain specified countries (and their families) who deliver a live American POW from the Korean War or the War in Southeast Asia to the U.S. Government. Second, the Act provides that the International Broadcasting Bureau shall promote the program in certain specified countries.
The purpose of the Act is to promote cooperation by citizens of certain relevant countries who might know about, and be able to help, an American serviceman in captivity. The Bill addresses the fear of retaliation that foreign nationals in some countries might have, by granting asylum in the United States. In promoting this program, the U.S. Government would also raise awareness of American efforts to find our missing servicemen.
The Coalition is concerned that the Bill does not address . We have expressed this concern to Senator Campbell's office and will hope to see it amended in the work-up phase of the legislative process.
The Coalition has posted the Bring Them Home Alive Act of 1999 Senate Bill # 484...or 'S-484' on this site. Click Here to read the full text of the Bill in its present form.
Generally speaking, members of Congress take the greatest interest in issues that matter to their constituents. Senators will not know that this Bill is important to American families unless we tell them. You can e-mail them to ask for their support. Senators' e-mail addresses can be found by visiting http://www.senate.gov/. When you arrive on the site, select a state in the box then click on your senator's name[s]. You can also write, fax, or call your senators. The Capitol switchboard telephone number is 202-224-3121, for further contact information.
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