Central ND News

BISMARCK – Bipartisan legislation has been introduced with the aim of closing a significant loophole in existing federal law that pertains to the sentencing of child exploitation offenders with prior military convictions. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio are at the forefront of this initiative.

Senator Cramer emphasized the importance of protecting children, stating, “Protecting our children, the most vulnerable and innocent members of society, is our most fundamental duty. Regrettably, existing laws contain unacceptable loopholes which fail to adequately penalize offenders of child exploitation crimes." Senator Rubio echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for increased sentences for those convicted of multiple child exploitation offenses.

The Parity for Child Exploitation Offenders Act, sponsored by Senator Cramer and Senator Rubio, aims to ensure enhanced sentencing for defendants with prior federal, state, or military convictions related to sex or child sexual exploitation. The legislation has garnered bipartisan and bicameral support, with a companion measure introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Claudia Tenney and Deborah Ross.

The proposed amendments under the Act would address the disparity in sentencing for child exploitation offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, particularly for repeat military offenders. Notable cosponsors of the legislation include U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Marsha Blackburn, Kirsten Gillibrand, and others.

Support for the bill extends beyond Capitol Hill, with the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Defense, and advocacy groups such as Raven, Paving the Way Foundation, and RAINN backing the initiative.

In a united front against child exploitation, the bipartisan effort seeks to ensure that all offenders, regardless of military history, are held to the same standards of accountability and justice.