Rep. Nancy Mace Secures Amendment In House-Passed NDAA Authorizing Death Penalty For Child Rape Under UCMJ

(Washington, D.C., September 29, 2025)- Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC-01) announced she secured an amendment in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 authorizing the death penalty under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for individuals convicted of raping a child.

"Child rape is not a crime you walk away from, it's a crime demanding the harshest punishment we can deliver," said Congresswoman Mace."Through this amendment, military prosecutors are empowered to seek the death penalty for child rapists. We are sending an unmistakable message: predators don't get second chances, they get execution."

The amendment gives military prosecutors the power to seek the death penalty for child rape, bringing accountability equal to the crime.

"With this amendment, we are rooting predators out of our ranks, protecting the innocent, and guaranteeing those who commit the most heinous of crimes pay the highest price," Mace added.

The NDAA sets annual defense policy and authorizations for the Department of War. With House passage complete, the NDAA now heads to the Senate for consideration.

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