William F. Smith: “this legislation is good policy. It has the potential to protect and save lives, the lives of the most innocent among…”

“this legislation is good policy. It has the potential to protect and save lives, the lives of the most innocent among us. H.R. 5422 is divided into three titles: Sanctions and offenses, investigation and prosecution, and public outreach. This legislation ensures that our Nation's laws protect our children from those that would prey on them. Title I, ``Sanctions and Offenses,'' strengthens the penalties against kidnapping by providing for a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment for non-family abductions of a child under the age of 18. The section includes Representative George Gekas' bill, H.R. 4679, that requires lifetime supervision for sex offenders. Also included is Representative Mark Green's bill, H.R. 2146, that requires mandatory life imprisonment for second time offenders. Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner's bill, H.R. 4477, strengthens the laws related to travel to foreign countries for sex with minors, and is a part of this legislation. In addition, this title directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to increase offense levels for crimes of kidnapping, expands the crime of sexual abuse murder, and adds child abuse that results in murder as a predicate for first degree murder.”