Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH) has joined with Congressman Christopher P. Carney (D-PA) to introduce bipartisan legislation to help law enforcement catch and prosecute online predators that target children. The Responsible and Effective Solutions for Children Using and Entering Online Services Act of 2007 - or the “RESCUE Online Services” Act, will provide meaningful tools to law enforcement in their efforts to catch and prosecute internet predators and establish a nationwide reporting standard.

“As the father of five children, it troubles me that so many children receive inappropriate online solicitations. The Internet provides a wealth of opportunities for our children to learn and grow, but we must ensure that they are protected from those who seek to do harm. I firmly believe that Congress must do more to protect our children from online predators, this is why I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Steve Chabot of Cincinnati,” said Congressman Carney, the principle sponsor of the bill.

“This is yet another critical step in our efforts to crack down on predators who are infiltrating our communities, neighborhoods, and homes threatening and victimizing children,” said Congressman Chabot who co-chairs the Congressional Caucus for Missing and Exploited Children. “The Internet, while providing a world of opportunity to our children, has also contributed to a worldwide expansion of child pornography - allowing predators to more easily abuse, exploit, and prey on young children. I thank Congressman Carney for his work on this legislation, which will help to better protect our kids.”

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), about one in seven kids receive an inappropriate sexual solicitation over the Internet. 

The RESCUE Online Services Act will:

· Establish a nationwide reporting standard that will enhance the quality and detail of information provided to NCMEC and law enforcement, as well as provide clarity and certainty to service providers when they report apparent child pornography to NCMEC.

· Encourage complete and prompt reporting by some entities that are not currently required to report such information by enhancing existing service provider immunity provisions.

· Improve the NCMEC referral process to enable early preservation of evidence needed for investigations of child exploitation crimes.

· Encourage the development of new technologies to disrupt the distribution of child pornography by allowing NCMEC to provide information to service providers.

· Allow NCMEC authority to engage in broader international cooperation to combat child exploitation.

· Examine the ability of law enforcement to utilize the reporting process effectively. 

This bipartisan legislation is supported by Microsoft, AOL, Yahoo and Google.