[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 58 (Thursday, April 10, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF THE CYBERMOLESTERS ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003

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                            HON. ROB SIMMONS

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 2003

  Mr. SIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to introduce my 
``Cybermolesters Enforcement Act of 2003,'' a bill that would bring 
today's high-tech child molesters to justice.
  While the Internet has revolutionized communication and business, it 
unfortunately provides a tool for child molesters, and loopholes in the 
current law allow some of these predators to escape without any real 
consequences. And although it is already a federal crime to cross state 
lines to sexually molest a minor, in recent years the number of people 
using the Internet to violate this law has skyrocketed. I call these 
individuals ``cybermolesters.''
  Cybermolesters are not easy to identify. They typically are well 
educated; middle-class citizens who have no previous criminal record 
and, as a result, tend to escape with little or no jail time. For 
example, convicted child pornographers receive ten-year mandatory 
sentences, but those who use the Internet to meet children and commit 
criminal sexual acts can receive no jail time at all. This double 
standard gives lighter sentences to a special set of privileged 
criminals. My bill would end this double standard by imposing a five-
year mandatory minimum sentence for cybermolesters.
  My bill also provides law enforcement with two important tools to 
combat those who prey on our nation's children. First, it would allow 
law enforcement to obtain a federal wiretap on those suspected of 
committing certain child sexual exploitation offenses, such as 
transmitting computer-generated child pornography, enticing a minor to 
travel for sexual activity, and transporting a minor for sexual 
activity. Second, it would classify child pornography as 
``contraband,'' which would enable law enforcement to seize it based 
upon probable cause and to destroy it automatically after its use, as 
evidence was no longer needed. This measure has the support of the 
FBI's ``Innocent Images'' Program, which is on the front lines of the 
battle against on-line pedophiles.
  Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago the passage of H.R. 1104 was a clear 
demonstration of our united support in improving the safety and welfare 
of our children. We cannot allow our law enforcement to lose step with 
an ever-evolving electronic society. We cannot allow these sexual 
predators to get away with the criminal acts they are committing 
against innocent children. We cannot allow one of our greatest 
advancements to become a tool for our biggest degenerates. The 
Cybermolester Enforcement Act will ensure that these ``cyberpredators'' 
are suitably punished and America's children are properly protected.

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