Cracking Down on Sexual Offenders - Extending the Jessica Lunsford Law

Statement

Cracking Down on Sexual Offenders - Extending the Jessica Lunsford Law

As you may recall, in 2006 Congress finally passed the Jessica Lunsford Act, a bill I worked on with the tireless efforts of Mark Lunsford, Jessica's father. The Jessica Lunsford Act closed dangerous loopholes that hindered law enforcement from protecting nine year-old Jessica. As you are no doubt aware, convicted sex offender John Couey assaulted and murdered her in 2005. I was shocked that Couey's current address was not on file and that his current probation officer had no knowledge of his previous sex offense. I passed the Jessica Lunsford Act to fix these problems and to require sex offenders to wear electronic ankle devices when they fail to register or keep their address current with law enforcement.

The Jessica Lunsford Act passed as part of an overall child protection bill, the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. The Adam Walsh Act also created a sex offender registry and put more restrictions and stiff penalties on child pornography, sex offenders, and predators in place. Unfortunately, portions of the Adam Walsh Act will expire in 2009, which is why I have introduced H.R. 5760, the Child Protection Reauthorization Act. This bill will extend the provisions under the Adam Walsh Act to 2011. These provisions include the protections provided to children under the Jessica Lunsford Act. I know you and I agree that it is imperative that Congress act this year to extend this Act.

Furthermore, I also recently cosponsored H.R. 3665, introduced by Congressman David Reichert (R-WA). This bill would restrict items that federal prisoners can mail and forfeits their rights to property used in a crime. In other words, this bill puts an end to the disgusting practice of selling "murderabilia," as a colleague of John Couey's was attempting to do by selling a letter Couey wrote.

On July 27, 2006, I was present as the President signed the Jessica Lunsford Act into law. Finally, the legacy of Jessica is of a guardian angel, keeping children safe by closing dangerous loopholes in the law. Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to make sure Congress does not stop here and that the Adam Walsh Act is extended. Moreover, I will continue to work with my colleagues to protect the families of victims and provide them some peace in their lives. Our children and their families deserve nothing less.

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