U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chair of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice (DOJ), along with U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) welcomed the DOJ's announcement that the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program will receive $418,549 to better support the goals and objectives of the ICAC Task Force Program. This task force investigates cases of child trafficking, online solicitation of minors, and the possession, manufacturing and distribution of child sexual abuse images.
"The sexual exploitation of children is a scourge on our society that requires an all-hands-on-deck approach to eliminate. New Hampshire's ICAC Task Force is on the frontlines working to ensure that sexual perpetrators are brought to justice for their heinous crimes," said Senator Shaheen. "As the Chair of the subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice, I'll continue working to secure the resources New Hampshire needs to protect children from abuse and exploitation."
"We must go after predators who target children, which is why I'm pleased to announce this funding to our state that will help provide law enforcement with the tools that they need to go after criminals who target children for exploitation," said Senator Hassan. "The rise in child sexual abuse materials online is deeply disturbing and we must do all that we can in New Hampshire and across the country to stamp out these horrendous acts and hold those responsible accountable."
"Ensuring the safety and well-being of children in New Hampshire and across the country is one of my top priorities, and I'm pleased to see this federal funding heading to our state to support the NH Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force as they work to safeguard children from exploitation online," said Rep. Kuster. "Earlier this year, I reintroduced the bipartisan END Child Exploitation Act to help law enforcement and technology companies respond to child sexual abuse images and hold perpetrators accountable. I will always stand up for our Granite State children and communities."
"The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force plays an unbelievably critical public safety role, and these federal funds will help ensure its work can continue to keep kids safe from internet sexual exploitation," said Rep. Pappas. "During the pandemic, as calls and tips to ICAC tripled, we secured resources in the CARES Act to help keep up with the volume. The additional resources announced today will help continue to protect children, and I remain committed to ensuring our law enforcement community has the support they need to keep New Hampshire safe."
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