Aaron Bean: “sadly we have all become familiar with the media reports of online child predators trolling for kids on the Internet…”

“sadly we have all become familiar with the media reports of online child predators trolling for kids on the Internet networking sites like MySpace, unsuspecting Americans having their lives hijacked by online identity thieves and scams which swindle millions of Americans of their hard-earned money. While our families want to access the tremendous resources available on the Internet, they now know that there are significant dangers lurking there. Unfortunately, most Americans do not know where to turn to for help. In fact, a Google search on Internet safety returns over 5 million hits. To assist our families in their efforts to protect themselves, I have introduced H.R. 4982, The SAFER Net Act. This bipartisan effort would do three things: First, it would streamline existing Federal resources to coordinate and promote best practices for safe surfing. Second, the SAFER Net Act would launch a national public awareness campaign to alert Americans to online threats and how they can protect their loved ones. Finally, this legislation would authorize Federal grants to support efforts that promote Internet safety, conducted by our schools, businesses, local law enforcement agencies and nonprofit organizations. Madam Speaker, we have the resources in place. We just need to use them better. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4982. ____________________”