U.S. Rep. Promotes Tough Predator Bill

HOUSTON - When he was Judge Ted Poe, he developed a reputation for tough and creative sentencing. Even though he is now Congressman Ted Poe, some concepts have not changed.

Poe has intorduced a bill to crack down on child sexual predators. He unveiled what he calls his Protecting America's Children Act at the Children's Assessment Center on Monday morning.

If the bill passes, it would deny federal funding to those who allow predators to get out of jail on a pre-trial release. Sexual offenses against children are the most heinous crimes committed in our society, according to Poe.

U.S. Representative Poe said offenders can still be released on a secured bond. but not solely on their word. "They have already proven themselves untrustworthy," said Poe on Monday.

Poe says the bill has bipartisan support and he expects little opposition. He believes it could be signed into law by the end of 2009.

The Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia have both voiced support for the measure.