[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 10, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H2264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        FEDERAL MINIMUM FOR CHILD RAPE MUST BE THE DEATH PENALTY

  (Mrs. LUNA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. LUNA. Mr. Speaker, today, I address the fundamental principle of 
justice: the punishment of those who commit the most egregious crimes 
against the innocence of our children. It is a matter that strikes at 
the very core of our values and demands our unwavering attention and 
action.
  There will be those who argue that the death penalty is 
unconstitutional, but let me be unequivocal: When it comes to 
protecting our children from the horrors of child rape, the death 
penalty is not only constitutional, but it is morally imperative.
  Our Constitution stands as a beacon of freedom and justice, crafted 
to safeguard the rights and liberties of every American. Yet, what 
greater violation of those rights could there be than the brutal and 
unforgivable abuse of our most vulnerable--our children.
  The Federal minimum for child rape must be upgraded to the death 
penalty and a minimum of life behind bars. For it is not merely a 
matter of punishment, but of deterrence and justice.
  We must send a resounding message to those who would prey upon our 
children that such heinous crimes will not be tolerated in our society 
and those who commit them will be faced with death.

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