Lampson Applauds Launch of U. S. Senate Missing, Exploited Children’s Caucus

*Originally published by the Houston Community Newspapers on Nov 22, 2010

U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson, founder and chairman of the Congressional Missing and Exploited Children’s Caucus, joined Senators Mike DeWine (R-OH), Blanche L. Lincoln (D-AR) and Richard C. Shelby (R-AL) at the launch of the Senate Caucus.

“When I founded the Congressional Missing and Exploited Children’s Caucus there was no voice for missing children in the House, and until now, there was no such voice in the Senate. My colleagues Senators DeWine, Lincoln and Shelby have changed that,” said Lampson. “I look forward to working with them to pass legislation that will keep our children safe.”

When elected to Congress in 1996, Lampson was eager to tackle a variety of issues. But, soon after arriving in Washington, his legislative priorities changed forever.

On April 3, 1997, 12-year-old Laura Kate Smither of Friendswood was abducted while she was out jogging. Despite valiant efforts by law enforcement officials and the entire Friendswood community, Laura’s body was not found until two-and-a-half weeks later.

“The devastation felt by the Smither family and the determination of the volunteers inspired me to establish the House Caucus, which includes more than 135 members, to provide a loud and unified voice for missing children advocates within Congress,” Lampson said. “The establishment of a sister caucus in the Senate has been something I’ve been working on for some time.

“April 3 was the anniversary of Laura’s abduction, she would have been 19 years old this year,” said Lampson. “The House Caucus was founded in her honor, and the Senate Caucus is being launched on the anniversary of her disappearance.

“In Laura’s name, and the names of missing children everywhere, my colleagues from the Senate and I will work as hard as we can to prevent the heart breaking tragedy of child abduction and exploitation,” Lampson said.