Lower Bucks Today

U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, Abigail Spanberger, and Burgess Owens have reintroduced the bipartisan Child Rescue Act in an effort to strengthen federal initiatives aimed at rescuing children from sexual exploitation and abuse. The legislation comes as a response to the growing concern surrounding the online exploitation of children, with technology companies reporting a staggering number of abusive images and videos to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's CyberTipline.

Congressman Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of protecting children in the digital age, stating, "Now more than ever in this digital age, legislators need to work to protect our children from sexual exploitation." He expressed pride in leading the bipartisan effort alongside Rep. Spanberger to enhance federal endeavors in safeguarding children from exploitation and abuse.

Congresswoman Spanberger highlighted the necessity for federal intervention to combat the epidemic of child exploitation and abuse, stressing the need for a coordinated strategy to aid in the rescue of children across the country. She emphasized the role of the federal government in supporting local authorities in their efforts to protect children from abusive situations.

Congressman Owens echoed the urgency of the situation, calling the explosion of child exploitation and abuse a crisis that demands immediate action. He emphasized the importance of empowering authorities at all levels to tackle this issue head-on, protect children, and bring perpetrators to justice.

The Child Rescue Act has garnered support from various child protection and anti-exploitation advocacy organizations, including RAINN, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, and the National District Attorneys Association. Stefan Turkheimer, Vice President for Public Policy at RAINN, commended the legislation for its proactive measures to rescue children from the horrors of sexual exploitation and abuse.

The bill aims to establish a national commission to study proactive policing strategies and identify resources needed to locate and rescue children from exploitation. By bringing together experts from both the public and private sectors, the commission seeks to create a nationwide strategy to prevent child abuse and respond effectively to the evolving landscape of online exploitation.

In conclusion, the reintroduction of the Child Rescue Act signifies a critical step towards combating child exploitation and abuse, prioritizing the safety and well-being of children across the United States. The bipartisan effort underscores the importance of a unified approach in addressing the urgent need to protect vulnerable children from harm.