New Bipartisan Bills Aim to Raise Penalties for Online Child Abuse, Sextortion

One bill creates a federal crime for pushing minors to harm themselves or others, with penalties reaching life in prison in some cases.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) walks through the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, on June 16, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Lawmakers announced on Dec. 9 three new bipartisan bills to address online violence and sexual abuse as part of a government push to crack down on child exploitation.

Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, respectively, introduced the legislation to combat the growing problem and hold criminals accountable.