Sonny Bono: “I rise today to support the Child Protection Sexual Predator Punishment Act of 1998 and to urge its adoption by the…”

“I rise today to support the Child Protection Sexual Predator Punishment Act of 1998 and to urge its adoption by the House. As a longtime computer user, I am very aware of the many benefits the Internet presents. It allows people to communicate, learn, appreciate art and music, and collaborate across great distances. However as a parent of two young children, I am disturbed by what we have learned. Personally I can say that my children already use computers and take advantage of the World Wide Web. As we move into the 21st century and the high technology future, America's children will not have a choice. They will be expected to use computers at a young age to get ahead. Unfortunately the growing problem of child stalkers and predators is all too real and alarming. The situation will only increase as computers find their way into more homes. We know that children will always find a way onto the computer; for example, their schools or the home of a friend, so we must make sure cyberspace is a safe place. The evidence of the type of dangerous, sick behavior of predators presented to the Committee on the Judiciary is an issue that we must confront and develop intelligent approaches to protect our Nation's youth. Congress has a role of protecting our most precious resource, our children.”