Rep. Sykes Urges House and Senate Leadership to Bring the James T. Woods Act to the Floor

Rep. Sykes Urges House and Senate Leadership to Bring the James T. Woods Act to the Floor

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) has sent a letter urging House and Senate leadership to bring H.R.6719, the James T. Woods Act, to the floor for a vote. The bill strengthens federal law to protect children from online exploitation and hold abusers accountable.

Across the country, millions of children are active on the same social media platforms as adults, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. One of these children was James T. Woods, a 17-year-old from Streetsboro, Ohio who was known by neighbors, friends, and family as a joyful, compassionate, and talented young man full of potential.

Like 95 percent of kids his age, James was on social media when he was targeted by an online predator who groomed and extorted him. For 20 hours, he received relentless threats, including messages telling him to take his own life, as he was coerced into sending money and explicit images. The threats ultimately drove him to suicide.

"Our children should not be left unprotected, and James should still be with us today. Congress cannot wait any longer to act to hold those responsible accountable, and the James T. Woods Act is a critical step in the right direction," said Rep. Sykes, who has vowed to continue fighting to ensure the safety of our next generation online.

The James T. Woods Act updates sentencing guidelines related to child sexual abuse material to include offenders who use technology to conceal their identity. The bill also creates a new crime prohibiting individuals from coercing children into harming themselves or others, with penalties of up to life in prison, and increases penalties for sextortion.

The full letter can be read here.