Contact Congress about H.R. 6719: James T. Woods Act

People who pressure minors into suicide, serious violence, or arson could face new federal charges. The bill also cracks down on sextortion threats and tells federal officials to rewrite sentencing rules for child sexual abuse material cases.

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James T. Woods Act is a Senate bill waiting for floor action. The latest recorded action: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 346.

Latest action on H.R. 6719: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 346.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects minors targeted online, the people accused of exploiting or coercing them, and the federal system that investigates and sentences these cases. It also matters to internet platforms and service providers that already have reporting duties, because some reporting and tracking rules would cover a broader kind of online coercion. Families, schools, and local investigators could feel the effects too when cases move into federal court or carry tougher penalties.

Why this matters: This bill matters because online offenders can pressure minors in ways older federal laws and sentencing rules may not fully fit. It would give prosecutors new tools for sextortion and coercion cases and could raise penalties in some of them. It could also reshape sentencing in many child sexual abuse material cases, but the full effect would depend on how the Sentencing Commission rewrites the guidelines and how courts apply them.

Key provisions in H.R. 6719

• The bill tells the U.S. Sentencing Commission to rewrite sentencing guidelines for several federal child exploitation crimes. It does this under the Commission's legal power in 28 U.S.C. 994(p) and covers crimes in 18 U.S.C. §§ 1466A, 2251(d)(1)(A), 2252, 2252A, and 2260(b).
• The new guidelines must reflect how these crimes now happen online. That includes use of computers and the internet, and taking part in groups focused on child sexual abuse material or other abuse of children.
• The Commission must weigh signs that a case was more serious or more harmful. Those signs include repeat conduct, hiding identity or evidence, using several online platforms, the number of victims or files, and whether the crime helped lead to a victim's suicide.
• The Commission cannot lower the starting offense level in guideline §2G2.2(a) while making these changes. That limits how much it can soften that guideline.
• The bill wipes out older child-pornography sentencing instructions and removes one specific enhancement in guideline §2G2.2(b)(7). Those changes take effect when the new guidelines take effect.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 6719

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 6719

What is H.R. 6719?

People who pressure minors into suicide, serious violence, or arson could face new federal charges. The bill also cracks down on sextortion threats and tells federal officials to rewrite sentencing rules for child sexual abuse material cases.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 6719?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 6719?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 6719 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.