Orrin Hatch: “I am pleased to note the passage of H.R. 3494, the Hatch-Leahy-DeWine ``Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act…”

“I am pleased to note the passage of H.R. 3494, the Hatch-Leahy-DeWine ``Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998.'' I want to thank Senators Leahy and DeWine for their cooperation in drafting and advocating the passage of this important piece of legislation. I also want to commend Congressman McCollum for his determined efforts in marshaling H.R. 3494 through the House. Although it was necessary to make some changes to the House version in an effort to achieve bipartisan support in the Senate, the final product is a strong bill which goes a long way toward improving the ability of law enforcement and the courts to respond to high-tech sexual predators of children. Pedophiles who roam the Internet, purveyors of child pornography, and serial child molesters are specifically targeted. While we should encourage people to take full advantage of the opportunities the Internet has to offer, we must also be vigilant in seeking to ensure that the Internet is not perverted into a hunting ground for pedophiles and other sexual predators, and a drive-through library and post office for purveyors of child pornography.”