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Congressman Chris Cannon addresses Utah Senate on internet harms, marriage amendment and immigration
Summary
Rep. Chris Cannon spoke to the Utah Senate about federal responses to internet child exploitation, plans to consider a federal marriage amendment in the House, and immigration enforcement priorities; he said he and Attorney General Mark Shurtleff will hold a seminar to assess evidence and options.
Congressman Chris Cannon (U.S. House, 3rd District) addressed the Utah Senate on Jan. 23, 2004, outlining several federal priorities and answering senators' questions.
Cannon said he and Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff plan a seminar to gather evidence about online child exploitation and related harms. "Apparently there's a recent study ... that would suggest that 40% of people who look at child [pornography] end up touching children improperly," he said, framing the internet proliferation of illegal material as a "matter of gravest concern." He described working with the House judiciary subcommittee and state attorneys general to determine what is known and what new responses are needed.
On social policy, Cannon said he expects the House to consider a federal marriage amendment in midyear and argued that "the legislature ought to decide what we do there rather than being the plaintiffs" seeking judicial remedies. He also told senators his committee is discussing impeachment as a response to judicial overreach and defended legislative oversight of courts.
On immigration, Cannon characterized the issue as large and complex, noted federal initiatives, and described public‑safety and humanitarian dimensions. He said the federal government has left many difficult choices to legislatures and indicated his committee was actively pursuing options.
On the CAN‑SPAM law, Cannon described industry engagement (AOL, Time Warner, eBay, Amazon) and enforcement tools such as requiring valid return addresses and increasing penalties. He said stronger penalties and return‑address requirements could reduce spam and help consumers identify unwanted messages.
The presentation concluded with questions from senators about technology policy and enforcement; Cannon said outcomes on several topics remain uncertain but that the House would pursue them.
