Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn, Amy Klobuchar, Chuck Grassley, Richard Blumenthal, and Marsha Blackburn have announced the signing of their Project Safe Childhood Act into law. This legislation aims to enhance the investigation and prosecution of online child exploitation as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of protecting children from online threats: “No child should be exposed to vicious threats from online predators,” he stated. He noted that the new law would provide essential tools for law enforcement officers and federal prosecutors to combat these crimes.

Senator Klobuchar highlighted the need for modernizing efforts against online exploitation: “We must do everything we can to protect our children from online exploitation and abuse,” she said. She explained that the bipartisan legislation would ensure law enforcement has necessary resources to address these issues effectively.

Senator Grassley expressed concern over the impact of online sexual abuse on young lives: “Too many young lives have been lost or destroyed by online sexual abuse,” he remarked. He stressed that empowering local law enforcement and federal prosecutors is crucial in bringing offenders to justice.

Senator Blumenthal described the act as a significant advancement in protecting children: “The Project Safe Childhood Act takes a major step forward in the fight to protect children from the horrendous crime of online sexual exploitation,” he commented. He underscored his commitment to safeguarding children in an increasingly digital world.

Senator Blackburn called attention to children's vulnerability in today's digital age: “It is our duty to protect the most innocent among us: our nation’s children,” she declared. She pointed out that modernizing investigations will provide state and local law enforcement with needed federal support and training.

The bill received support from several senators including Chris Murphy, Lindsey Graham, Jon Ossoff, Thom Tillis, Peter Welch, Josh Hawley, Dick Durbin, Ted Cruz, Chris Coons, John Kennedy, Mazie Hirono, Pete Ricketts, Bob Menendez, and James Lankford.

Project Safe Childhood was initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice in May 2006 as a nationwide effort against child sexual exploitation and abuse. The newly signed act mandates coordination between federal prosecutors and law enforcement with experts for developing strategies and training materials aimed at rescuing victims swiftly while apprehending offenders.

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