Democrats and Republicans in Congress may be deadlocked over a potential government shutdown and funding a wall on the southern border. But, they’re also coming together to pass significant bipartisan legislation at the end of the year.
The tragic story of Ashanti Billie, who was abducted and murdered in Hampton Roads, is leading lawmakers from both parties to come together in Washington and pass bipartisan legislation as one of the last acts of the lame duck Congress.
It sets up an alert system to help track down missing people. Senator Mark Warner says Amber Alerts already exist for children and Silver Alerts already exist for seniors. But there’s nothing in the middle for those between 18 and 65.
“I think everybody’s reaction was, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe there’s this hole. We take care of kids and we take care of seniors. But what about young adults and not-so-young adults?’”
Warner, a Democrat, worked with Congressman Scott Taylor, a Republican to get the bill through Congress. Ashanti Billie’s mother, Brandy Billie, says the alert system will keep her daughter’s memory alive.
“Every time we see an Ashanti alert, it’s going to be kinda like a hug coming from her to us. It’s going to be her way of saying, ‘Hey Mom, hey Dad, I’m OK.’”
The bill has already been approved unanimously in the Senate, and advocates are hoping it will be signed by the president before the end of the year.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
