Neal Dunn: “I rise today for mothers and dads all over this country who are doing everything they can to keep their children safe…”

“I rise today for mothers and dads all over this country who are doing everything they can to keep their children safe and innocent but may not be aware of the pedophiles who break into our homes by cruising the Internet. In this age of ever-expanding technology and personal computers in so many homes, pedophiles are increasingly using the anonymity of the Internet to pose as minors and befriend children who are unknowingly lured into dangerous situations. With both Megan's Law and the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children Act, we told sexual offenders you can run, but you can't hide. These laws have given neighborhoods a greater sense of security by informing them when a sexual predator might be living in their midst. But what about cyber-predators? They may live anywhere; in our neighborhood, in another state, across the country, and yet they still have access to our children. These predators think that they can hide behind the faceless, voiceless world of the Internet. Make no mistake, they are wrong. That is why the McCollum-Dunn bill is so critical to families across America. This legislation helps law enforcement crack down on pedophiles who no longer offer candy to unsuspecting children on the playground, but now offer companionship to children through an Internet chat room. This bill tells sexual predators that the information superhighway is not a detour for deviant behavior.”