What does Preamble of Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act do?

This bill proposes to amend title 18, United States Code. The proposed amendments relate to kidnapping, sexual abuse, and illicit sexual conduct with respect to minors.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act

What does KIDNAPPING; SEXUAL ABUSE; ILLICIT SEXUAL CONDUCT WITH RESPECT of Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act do?

This section amends Part I of Title 18, United States Code, related to kidnapping and sexual abuse of minors. It modifies section 1201 to include 'obtains by defrauding or deceiving any person' in the definition of abduction. Section 2241(c) is amended to use 'travels in interstate or foreign commerce' instead of 'crosses a State line'. A new subsection (f) is added to section 2243, criminalizing intentional touching of the genitalia of a person under 16 with specific intent, within certain jurisdictions. Section 2244 is amended to redesignate paragraphs, adjust penalties, and add a provision addressing attempted offenses. Subsection (b) of section 2244 is modified to include 'or causes' and 'or attempts to do so'. Section 2423(g)(1) is amended to broaden the scope from 'a sexual act' to 'any conduct involving'. The amendment to section 2241(c) applies to conduct occurring before, on, or after the Act's enactment date.

What does CONFORMING AMENDMENTS RELATING TO ABUSIVE SEXUAL CONTACT. of Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act do?

This section amends Section 250(b) of Title 18, United States Code, modifying penalties for civil rights offenses involving sexual misconduct. The amendments update references to specific sections within Section 2244 related to abusive sexual contact. These changes include striking and inserting specific language to clarify which types of contact are covered under the penalties. Section 3559 of Title 18, United States Code, is also amended to modify sentencing classifications of offenses. Specifically, subsections (c)(2)(F)(i) and (e)(2)(A) are updated to reflect changes in section 2244.

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Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act

Last updated: 10/10/2025 · Introduced: 4/8/2025

Author: John Cornyn (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill amends the definition of abduction to include obtaining a minor by defrauding or deceiving any person.
It broadens the scope of criminalized conduct to include any conduct involving a person under 16, rather than just a sexual act.
The bill increases penalties for civil rights offenses involving sexual misconduct and updates sentencing classifications for related offenses.

119th Congresspassed senateHR. 2735(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

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