Nick Lampson: “Yesterday I participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new location of the U.S. Customs Service Cybersmuggling…”

“Yesterday I participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new location of the U.S. Customs Service Cybersmuggling Center. Child pornography was a worldwide industry that was all but eradicated in the 1980s. And unfortunately, it has resurfaced with vengeance thanks to computer technology. Although, I learned of the work of the U.S. Customs Service through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's leader, Ernie Allen, I was so impressed with the work of the Cybersmuggling Center and its agents that I introduced legislation that would authorize much needed funds specifically for the U.S. Customs Service, Child Pornography Enforcement Program. The U.S. Customs Service has long been recognized by law enforcement and the international community for its knowledge and skill in investigating cases of child pornography and child exploitation. Proper funding of the Cybersmuggling Center will allow the Customs Service to continue its worldwide leadership in the prevention of the sexual exploitation and abuse of children in the United States and abroad. Congress got the message and now we can commend the work done by the men and women who spend their days and nights protecting our most vulnerable citizens, our children.”