07/12/2024 | Press release | Archived content
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced their Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act, which would close loopholes in existing criminal child sexual abuse statues to help law enforcement better prosecute offenders and protect victims:
"I am proud to join Senator Cornyn in introducing this critical piece of legislation that will close loopholes in current law to ensure that those who exploit and abuse children are held accountable," said Senator Booker. "This bipartisan effort reflects our shared commitment to protecting our nation's most vulnerable-our children. By incorporating the Department of Justice's recommendations, we can better protect children from exploitation and sexual abuse and provide justice for victims."
"Any person evil enough to abuse a child should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said Senator Cornyn. "Our bill ensures existing law is ironclad so that no predator can get away with these heinous crimes based on technicalities."
U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04) and Troy Nehls (R-TX-22) will introduce companion legislation in the House.
Background:
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) published the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, which made a series of recommendations for Congress to strengthen federal enforcement of child exploitation laws. The Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act aims to incorporate those recommendations and define the DOJ's authority to prosecute perpetrators by:
The Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act is endorsed by the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Major County Sherriff's of America, Rights4Girls, Hope for Justice, Street Grace, 3Strands Global Foundation, Fraternal Order of Police, the National Children's Alliance (NCA), and the National District Attorney's Association.
To read the full text of the bill, click here.