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Congresswomen Tenney, Ross Introduce the Parity for Child Exploitation Offenders Act

January 19, 2024

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-2) today introduced the Parity for Child Exploitation Offenders Act to close loopholes for child predators by ensuring that existing enhanced penalties for sexual crimes involving children are applied equally to all sexual predators. 

Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led the introduction of this bill in the Senate.

“Sexual predators who repeatedly abuse and exploit children must face heightened penalties for their heinous and unspeakable crimes,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Currently, loopholes in our justice system fail to apply these enhanced penalties to all sexual crimes involving children. The Parity for Child Exploitation Offenders Act closes these loopholes to ensure repeat offenders of these horrific crimes face the same mandatory federal penalties. Thank you to Representative Ross and Senators Rubio and Klobuchar for joining me in these efforts to protect our children.”

“We owe it to survivors of child sexual abuse or exploitation who have endured unspeakable trauma to ensure their assailants face the full consequences of their actions,” said Congresswoman Ross. “This important legislation will address lingering loopholes in our criminal justice system that allow sexual predators who have been convicted by the Uniform Code of Military Justice to avoid mandatory federal sentencing. I am grateful for the leadership of Representative Tenney and Senators Rubio and Klobuchar and will continue working diligently with my colleagues to see this bill signed into law.”

“Those convicted of multiple child pornography and related offenses should face increased sentences," said Senator Rubio. "Ensuring that this loophole is closed is long overdue, and it is with great pride that I introduce this legislation with bipartisan and bicameral support. We must continue to work hard against the great evil of sexual abuse, especially relating to minors.” 

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