WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) reintroduced three pieces of legislation aimed at significantly increasing penalties for individuals convicted of crimes related to child pornography, child trafficking, and sexual abuse of adults.
These bills seek to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to ensure harsher sentences and mandatory minimums for those found guilty of these crimes, including the death penalty and life imprisonment.
“Sexual predators who exploit the most vulnerable must face punishments that reflect the severity of their crimes, including the death penalty. Our current laws allow abusers to escape true judgment, failing to protect victims and deter future offenders,” said Congresswoman Luna. “The days of inaction against those who prey on children and sexually abuse adults are over. Pedophiles deserve the death penalty or to rot in jail where they belong—no mercy, no escape.”
The Holding Child Predators Accountable Act amends Title 18 of the U.S. Code to mandate the death penalty or life imprisonment for those convicted of producing, distributing, or possessing child pornography involving the sexual exploitation of minors.
The No Repeat Child Sex Offenders Act amends Title 18 of the U.S. Code to impose the death penalty or life imprisonment for those convicted of child trafficking, covering a wide array of activities, including sexual exploitation, trafficking, abuse of minors, transportation for sexual activities, coercion into prostitution, operation of sexual exploitation enterprises, production of child pornography, and other forms of sexual abuse and contact.
The Justice for Rape Survivors Act amends Title 18 of the U.S. Code to give at least 30 years, or life in prison, to felons convicted of rape and sexual abuse of adults.
Congresswoman Luna’s reintroduction of these bills is a critical step toward ensuring justice for victims and protecting our communities, especially children, from sexual predators. Having first introduced these bills last Congress, Congresswoman Luna remains steadfast in her commitment to advocating for stricter penalties and mandatory sentences, sending a strong message that these horrible crimes will not be tolerated.
About
Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna is serving her first term as the Representative for Florida’s Thirteenth Congressional District. She was appointed to serve on the Congressional House Democracy Partnership.
Rep. Luna is the first Mexican-American woman elected to the United States Congress to represent Florida. Raised by a single mother in one of Southern California’s low-income neighborhoods, Anna’s rough upbringing taught her the importance of hard work and independence. She also firsthand experienced the devastating consequences of radical big-government policies in cities like the one she grew up in.
Anna joined the military at a young age to leave behind the life of America’s low-income, inner-city communities. She would go on to graduate from the University of West Florida with a bachelor’s degree in biology. While serving in the United States Air Force, Anna met her husband, Andy Gamberzky – a bronze star recipient who earned a Purple Heart when enemy combatants shot at him in Afghanistan.
Anna believes that the “business as usual” mentality in Washington has ruined the lives of everyday Americans, who are failed by decades of leaders who do not truly value them for anything more than their votes. In Congress, Anna will always fight against the elitist political establishment that has, for far too long, left the American people behind.
Congresswoman Luna resides in St. Petersburg, with her husband Andy.
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