[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 62 (Thursday, April 11, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  ADDRESSING THE CRIMES OF CHILD RAPE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ANNA PAULINA LUNA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 11, 2024

  Mrs. LUNA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the horrific crimes 
of child rape.
  A 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, it is a moral 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: such heinous crimes will not be tolerated in our society, and 
those who commit them will face the most severe consequences, a life 
for a life. Protecting our children is not just a duty, it is our 
sacred obligation as a Nation. We cannot turn a blind eye to the 
suffering of innocent victims or allow such predators to roam freely 
among us. We must hold these monsters accountable.
  It is our responsibility to ensure that our children are safe from 
harm, and that those who would seek to harm them are swiftly and 
decisively punished. Upgrading the federal minimum for child rape to 
the death penalty is not about vengeance--it is about justice. It is 
about standing up for the most vulnerable members of our society and 
sending a clear message that their safety and well-being are paramount.
  The time has come to reaffirm our commitment to protecting our 
children from harm. Let us stand together, united in our resolve, and 
demand that those who commit such heinous acts face the full force of 
the law.

                          ____________________