Simpson and Otter Vote to Protect America's Children from Predators
Press Release
Congressmen Mike Simpson and C.L. "Butch" Otter today voted to protect America's Children from predators. H.R. 3132, the Children's Safety Act of 2005 passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 371-52.
"In order to protect our children, we need to be tough on sex offenders and this bill does just that," said Simpson. "Those who choose to participate in such gruesome acts will quickly learn that we aren't going to allow such behavior. There is simply no excuse for putting the rights of convicted sex offenders before the rights of the innocent, helpless children upon whom they prey."
"Just as parents have a responsibility to arm themselves with knowledge about the potential threats their children face, the government has a responsibility to ensure the resources are available for parents to protect their families," Otter said. "This legislation will help ensure that criminals who victimize our most precious and vulnerable citizens are held accountable for their actions, and that they have less opportunity to hurt more children and destroy more lives."
In order to strengthen the security of families across the country, H.R. 3132:
* Expands coverage of sex offenders to include any felony sex offense and misdemeanor sex offenses;
* Expands covered offenses against children to include possession of child pornography as a triggering offense for registration and notification requirements;
* Requires sex offenders to register prior to release from prison;
* Increases the duration of required periodic registration;
* Authorizes the creation of up to ten demonstration programs for electronic monitoring of sex offenders;
* Ensures mandatory-minimum punishment for violent and sexual crimes against children.
* Creates the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website to search for sex offender information in each community.
* Improves verification systems for sex offender information by requiring monthly verification, sex offender in-person verification every six months, and regular notarized verification mailings.
* Protects foster children from sexual abuse and exploitation and increases criminal penalties against sexual predators.
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