Congressman Biggs Urges Senators Kelly and Gallego to Back Bipartisan Bill Combatting Child Exploitation

GILBERT, ARIZONA- As Congress returns from its annual August work period away from the nation's capital, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) is urging Arizona's U.S. Senators, Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, to help secure Senate consideration and passage of his Coercion and Sexual Abuse Free Environment (CSAFE) Act.

"It's been 227 days since the U.S. House unanimously passed my CSAFE Act to deliver long-overdue legal clarity and serious consequences for criminals who coerce and exploit children,"said Congressman Biggs."Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate has yet to consider this legislation. That's why I'm calling on U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego to join my efforts to protect our children and champion this meaningful policy to the finish line in their chamber. Passage of this bill would close gaps in federal law that allow predators to hide behind screens, anonymity, and outdated statutes while young lives are shattered. It's time for action. It's time for the U.S. Senate to pass CSAFE."

The CSAFE Act, H.R. 6732, strengthens federal law by explicitly prohibiting the coercion of minors into self-harm, suicide, animal abuse, or other degrading and abusive acts-conduct that has proliferated through online platforms and anonymous digital networks. Under the bill, criminals who coerce minors into such acts would face up to 10 years in prison, enhanced penalties of up to 20 years if serious bodily injury results, and life imprisonment if a victim dies as a result of the coercion.

H.R. 6732 is currently pending with the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

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