Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Cory Booker, alongside Representatives Troy Nehls and Madeleine Dean, have introduced the Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act to address and close loopholes in existing criminal child sexual abuse statutes.

Senator Cornyn stated, "Perpetrators who attack our children must face consequences for their heinous actions. By closing loopholes in current law, our legislation would ensure these dangerous offenders aren’t able to escape accountability on a technicality and are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Senator Booker added, "Last Congress, Senator Cornyn and I introduced and passed this bipartisan legislation in the Senate to ensure that those who exploit and abuse children are held accountable. This bill would close loopholes in current law to better allow us to protect our nation’s most vulnerable from predators. I urge my colleagues in both chambers to pass this critical legislation so we can better protect children from exploitation and sexual abuse and provide justice for victims."

Representative Nehls emphasized, “Any existing loopholes in United States federal law that allow child predators to escape justice must be closed immediately. The abuse of a child, in any form, is completely unacceptable. As a father and a former Texas Sheriff, I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing bipartisan legislation that will empower our nation’s law enforcement and our justice system to hold bad actors who abuse our children, here at home and abroad, accountable.”

Representative Dean noted, “As lawmakers, we have the solemn duty of protecting our nation’s children from kidnapping and sexual exploitation. Yet under current law, there are loopholes that allow bad actors to evade prosecution. This legislation clarifies and strengthens federal law to ensure offenders are held accountable. I’m grateful to Congressman Nehls, Senator Booker, and Senator Cornyn for their partnership to ensure our kids are kept safe.”

The U.S. Department of Justice introduced the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction in 2023, making recommendations for stronger federal enforcement of child exploitation laws. The new bill seeks to integrate these into law, clarifying the DOJ’s authority to prosecute offenders.

The Act also has the backing of various organizations, including the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Major County Sheriff's of America, and others.