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H.R.3993 / 103rd Congress

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Act of 1994

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 261.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Mar 9, 1994

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit, and establish penalties for: (1) employing or inducing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct, intending that such depiction will be imported into the United States or into waters within 12 miles of the coast of the United States; and (2) knowingly receiving, transporting, distributing, selling, or possessing with intent to transport, sell, or distribute such depiction, with such intent. Repeals the caps on fines for sexual exploitation of children. Subjects individuals who violate prohibitions against sexual exploitation of children (as under current law) or sexual abuse to a fine or imprisonment for up to ten years, or both, and a fine or from five to 15 years, or both, if such individual has a prior conviction of sexual abuse. Sets forth: (1) analogous provisions with respect to certain activities relating to material involving the sexual exploitation of children (as under current law) or sexual exploitation of minors; and (2) penalties for conspiring and attempting to violate such provisions. Makes violation of this Act a predicate offense to a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute. Sets penalties for travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in a sexual act with a person under age 18. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each State that has not yet done so should enact legislation prohibiting the production, distribution, receipt, or simple possession of materials depicting a person under age 18 engaging in sexually explicit conduct and providing for a maximum imprisonment of at least one year and the forfeiture of assets used in the commission or support of, or gained from, such offenses.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Ramstad, Jim [R-MN-3] · R–MN

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
16 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 261.

  2. Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 103-469. Filed late, pursuant to previous special order.

  3. Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 103-469. Filed late, pursuant to previous special order.

  4. Ordered to be Reported.

  5. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  6. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee.

  7. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  8. Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime and Criminal Justice.

  9. Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.

  10. Introduced in House

  11. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 26, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.3993 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.3993 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.3993 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.3993 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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