Congress Targets Online “Sextortion” by Making Threats to Share Minor Sexual Images a Federal Crime
James T. Woods Act
The James T. Woods Act passed the House and is now waiting for the Senate to take action. Nothing has happened with this bill since March 1, 2026, and it is considered stalled. A similar bill in the Senate has also stopped moving.
Companion bill: Congress Proposes New Penalties to Stop Online Predators From Threatening Minors With Explicit Images →How this policy affects specific groups of people
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 346.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
AI summary of a press release stating the House unanimously passed H.R. 6719, the Combating Online Predators Act, to criminalize threats to distribute child sexual abuse material used in sextortion schemes.
Press release summarizing passage of multiple child-exploitation bills; specifically notes H.R. 6719 criminalizes threats to distribute sexually explicit images of minors used to coerce more material (sextortion).
Covers House Judiciary Committee action on Lee’s bill, describing how it targets sextortion by criminalizing threats to distribute sexual images of minors to coerce additional content.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
James T. Woods Act
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.