Image courtesy Canva

Congressman Derek Schmidt announced he is supporting three bipartisan bills to improve federal efforts to stop child exploitation. One would close legal gaps so that people who use artificial intelligence to create child sexual abuse images can be held accountable. Another would require online platforms to do more to prevent and report child sexual abuse material. A third would increase funding and strengthen the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program.

Schmidt is also backing bills that help crime victims, including children. One protects funding for victim support programs, and another would clear certain convictions for people forced into crime while being trafficked.

Before serving in Congress, Schmidt worked on child protection issues as a Kansas state senator and attorney general, including helping strengthen laws against human trafficking and sexual abuse. He says protecting children requires ongoing effort from government and communities, and he plans to continue supporting that work.