Rep. Cole Votes for Legislation to Prevent Crimes against Children

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Representative Tom Cole voted today for the Children's Safety and Violent Crime Reduction Act of 2005 (H.R. 4472) that will help prevent the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. This legislation passed in the House today and must now be debated in the Senate.

“It is heartbreaking that laws such of these are even necessary, but unfortunately there are perpetrators out there that harm and exploit young and innocent children. The Children’s Safety Act will help protect children from by strengthening notification requirements for sex offenders and increasing criminal penalties. It is the least we can do to defend our children from violence," Congressman Tom Cole said.

H.R. 4472 prevents crimes against children through a coordinated law enforcement approach that includes expanding the definition of sex offenders to include juvenile sex offenders, increasing reporting requirements for known offenders and increasing penalties for those convicted of sexual and violent crimes against minors.

In conjunction with pre-existing laws, the Children’s Safety Act of 2005 will give residents and local law enforcement as much information as possible about offenders who move into their communities. This legislation will also helps law enforcers find missing children before any harm can come to them.

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