Statement by U.S. Representative DeGette on Sexual Exploitation of Children Over the Internet

Statement by U.S. Representative DeGette on Sexual Exploitation of Children Over the Internet

"We find ourselves in an unusual position. The members of this committee, having jurisdiction over telecommunications and the Internet, usually jump at the opportunity to extol the wonders of the web. The Internet has been one of the most incredible creations of the last century. At the beginning of the new millennium we look to a future of untold promise and new innovation that we can't even imagine today.

"The Internet has changed the way we do business, conduct research, play and communicate with each other. It has made many day-to-day activities easier than we ever could have envisioned. Shopping, banking, staying in close touch with far flung friends and relatives, it is all so convenient.

"But these are not the only activities that have been made easier by the Internet. This incredible technology is being used to commit a crime against humanity: the sexual exploitation of children. And that is what we are faced with today as we conduct these hearings. Our technological pride and joy has been hijacked. It has enabled a plague of proportions that we never anticipated. Cloaked in anonymity and enabled by technological innovation a terrifying blight has been growing under our very noses.

"How do we preserve the things we value about the Internet? Can we find the right balance between protecting freedom and privacy and eradicating this heinous epidemic? I don't think any of us have the answers today. But that is what we are here to determine.

"My colleagues, we have a difficult job ahead of us, and we can't shy away from looking this monster in the face. We cannot stand idly by while our young are being devoured.

"I think I can speak for all of us when I say that these hearings have been a horrific eye-opener. We all know this scourge exists. I don't think any of us realized exactly how pervasive child exploitation over the Internet is. We've learned that it is now an industry that nets a profit equal to the gross product of some small countries.

"Mr. Chairman, I laud you for having these hearings. This is an issue that is easier for us to ignore because the reality is too much to bear.

"I think every member of this subcommittee should make a commitment right now to accomplish three things as a result of these hearings:

1) To identify problems with the federal response to this crisis;

2) To figure out how to better address this scourge;

3) To take action and pledge that by the time the 109th Congress adjourns, we will have made an impact.

"What we should NOT do is have these hearings, make ourselves feel better, and when they are over, breathe a sigh of relief that this doesn't affect our own families. This scourge is just a click of the mouse away from directly impacting any one of us. And even if it wasn't, we have a moral imperative to take action.

"Frankly, I am very disappointed that the specific witnesses that were requested from the FBI, the Department of Justice and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are not here today. If there was ever an issue that the Executive and Legislative branches should work hand-in-hand on, this is it. This is an investigative hearing, and we need factual information, not generalized policy statements.

"As proud Americans, we should collectively hang our heads in shame that our country is the number one consumer of child pornography. How on earth did we get here? Why are we letting this happen to our children?

"We keep hearing that this is a do-nothing Congress. My friends, if we can make an impact on this issue, and make the world a safer place for the children that we bring into it, then we will have done something tremendous. Let's rise to the challenge and get to work."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/co01_degette/ExploitationChildrenInternet.html