U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) is leading an effort to help fight a wave of violent crime throughout America with legislation that would strengthen the penalties for child predators and violent offenders.
“Across the country, violent crime is on the rise, and the Biden administration and other Democratic politicians are asleep at the wheel—failing to take action to keep our citizens safe,” Sen. Ernst said, adding that more dangerous felons are being released across the country as a result of permissive policies.
To crack down on violent perpetrators, on Feb. 8 the senator sponsored the Holding Violent Criminals and Child Predators Accountable Act of 2022, S. 3594.
“Iowans are concerned and want their elected officials to take action, which is why I’m leading this effort to increase penalties for violent offenders and child predators to help keep folks safe and hold perpetrators accountable,” Sen. Ernst said.
If enacted into law, the bill would increase the statutory maximum penalty to life imprisonment for sexual abuse of a minor. It would also punish child pornographers by increasing the maximum penalty for those convicted of transporting, distributing, or selling child pornography to 40 years for first-time offenders and life imprisonment for repeat offenders, according to a summary of the bill provided by the senator’s office.
In addition, the legislation would create a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence for interstate domestic violence resulting in the death of a victim, the summary said.
The bill is under consideration by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.