WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., and Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, on Thursday introduced bipartisan legislation to help states implement “Green Alert” systems to locate veterans when they go missing so that they can receive appropriate care, similar to the AMBER Alert system for children or Silver Alert system for older Americans.

The Green Alert Act of 2019 would establish a federal commission to develop best practices and provide technical assistance to states to implement Green Alert systems that would be used to alert law enforcement and the public in the event of a veteran’s disappearance. The federal government also played a role in helping states implement AMBER Alert systems, which are in place in all 50 states. Last year, Wisconsin became the first state to establish a Green Alert system.

“Far too many of our brave veterans experience mental and emotional trauma as a result of their service, and as we work to build a country that is ever-worthy of their service, we must ensure that they have the support and resources they need to thrive in civilian life,” Hassan said. “The Green Alert Act would provide federal assistance to help states implement Green Alert systems to locate and assist missing veterans. This is a common-sense step we can take now to ensure that we can be there for our veterans who have so valiantly served to defend our

freedoms.”

“As a combat veteran, I understand how important it is for our veterans to have access to the support and care they have earned. Unfortunately, sometimes due to stress and trauma associated with their time in uniform, many of our veterans tragically go missing,” Ernst added. “Our bipartisan and common-sense legislation will help states, like Iowa, implement the Green Alert system, and will ensure our vets get the attention they deserve.”

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