HR 11005: Corey Adams Searchlight Act

HR 11005 in plain English: The Corey Adams Searchlight Act would authorize $3,000,000 for the Attorney General to operate a Green Alert communications network, which is a system designed to help locate missing adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Stated purpose

This bill aims to create and support a national 'Green Alert' system to help find missing veterans across the United States, coordinated by the Department of Justice and working alongside existing alert networks like AMBER Alert.

Key points

• Authorizes $3,000,000 for the Attorney General to carry out a Green Alert communications network
• Targets the network at helping locate missing adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities

Arguments supporters make

• Veterans face unique risks when missing, including service-related mental or physical conditions, and deserve a dedicated alert system tailored to their needs
• Connecting a national Green Alert network with existing systems like AMBER Alert maximizes resources already in place and helps communities respond faster
• A coordinated national system ensures veterans in every state get the same level of search support, not just those in states that already have local Green Alert programs

Arguments opponents make

• Adding another alert network risks alert fatigue, where the public tunes out frequent notifications, reducing the effectiveness of all alert systems including AMBER Alert
• The bill relies on 'availability of appropriations,' meaning funding is not guaranteed and the network may never be fully built or staffed
• States already have varying alert systems and voluntary guidelines may not produce meaningful national consistency, leaving gaps in coverage where veterans need help most

Tradeoffs

Creating a dedicated alert channel for veterans could improve search outcomes for a vulnerable group, but expanding alert systems risks overuse and public desensitization that could weaken the effectiveness of all emergency alerts. Federal coordination offers national reach but relies on voluntary state participation, which may limit how uniformly the system works across the country.

Current status in Congress: In committee.

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