US Congresswoman Nancy Mace has introduced new legislation that would authorize the federal government to impose the death penalty on individuals convicted of raping or sexually assaulting children.
The proposed measure, titled the Death Penalty for Child Rapists Act, aims to expand capital punishment eligibility to several federal child sexual abuse statutes, as well as to child rape cases prosecuted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, according to a press release from her office.
“We have zero mercy for child rapists,” Mace said in a statement. “Those who prey on our most vulnerable deserve the harshest consequences we can deliver. No predator should be allowed to walk away from the most unthinkable crimes against children.”
If enacted, the bill would amend Title 18 of the U.S. Code to authorize capital punishment for aggravated sexual abuse of a child, sexual abuse of a minor, and abusive sexual contact involving a child. It would also extend to child rape offenses handled within the military justice system.
Mace framed the proposal as part of her broader push for stricter accountability in sexual abuse cases. She referenced her calls for greater transparency in matters related to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and for consequences for individuals who may have “conspired or collaborated” with him.
However, the legislation is expected to face significant legal and political hurdles. In 2008, the US Supreme Court ruled that imposing the death penalty for the rape of a child where the victim does not die violates the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment — a precedent that could complicate efforts to expand capital punishment for such crimes.
It remains unclear whether the bill has backing from House Republican leadership or whether a companion version will be introduced in the Senate.