Title

Combating Sexual Exploitation of Children: Strengthening International Law Enforcement Cooperation

Tuesday, June 17, 2008
B-318 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
United States
Official Transcript: 
Members: 
Name: 
Hon. Alcee Hastings
Title Text: 
Chairman
Body: 
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Name: 
Hon. Ben Cardin
Title Text: 
Co-Chairman
Body: 
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Name: 
Hon. Chris Smith
Title Text: 
Ranking Minority Member
Body: 
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Statement: 
Name: 
Hon. Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Title Text: 
Congressmember
Body: 
United States House of Representatives
Witnesses: 
Name: 
Mr. Shawn Bray
Title: 
Deputy Director
Body: 
U.S. National Central Bureau
Statement: 
Name: 
Mr. Tim Cranton
Title: 
Associate General Counsel, Worldwide Internet Safety Programs
Body: 
Microsoft Corporation
Name: 
Mr. Ernie Allen
Title: 
President and CEO
Body: 
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Statement: 

The hearing examined current practices for sharing information among law enforcement authorities internationally and what concrete steps can be taken to strengthen that cooperation to more effectively investigate cases of sexual exploitation of children, including child pornography on the Internet.

Despite current efforts, sexual exploitation of children is increasing globally. The use of the Internet has made it easier for pedophiles and sexual predators to have access to child pornography and potential victims. In May, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the Combating Child Exploitation Act of 2008 (S.1738), which will allocate over one billion dollars over the next eight years to provide Federal, state, and local law enforcement with the resources and structure to find, arrest, and prosecute those who prey on our children.

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