Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have successfully passed the Project Safe Childhood Act in the Senate. The bill aims to enhance the investigation and prosecution of online child exploitation cases.

Sen. Cornyn expressed his concern for the safety of children, stating, "No child should be exposed to vicious threats from online predators. This bill would make key strategic improvements to give law enforcement officers and federal prosecutors the tools to go after online child predators and ensure more children are shielded from this horrific crime."

Sen. Klobuchar also emphasized the importance of protecting children from online exploitation, saying, "We must do everything we can to protect our children from online exploitation and abuse. By modernizing the Project Safe Childhood program, our bipartisan legislation will ensure that law enforcement has the tools and resources it needs to rescue victims and prosecute those who commit these terrible crimes."

The bipartisan legislation received support from Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who cosponsored the bill.

The Project Safe Childhood Act seeks to update the investigation and prosecution of online child exploitation crimes. It aims to improve the collaboration between federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, as well as utilize new technology to combat predators. Under this bill, federal prosecutors and the Department of Justice (DOJ) will be required to work alongside law enforcement and experts to develop training materials and strategies for identifying and rescuing child victims, while swiftly apprehending offenders.

The legislation has garnered endorsements from prominent organizations such as the National District Attorneys Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), National Center on Sexual Exploitation, Fraternal Order of Police, Rights 4 Girls, National Children's Alliance, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

With the passing of the Project Safe Childhood Act in the Senate, there is hope that the investigation and prosecution of online child exploitation cases will be significantly improved. This crucial legislation aims to provide law enforcement with the necessary tools and resources to protect children and bring offenders to justice.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-klobuchar-bill-to-improve-investigations-of-online-child-exploitation-passes-senate/