James Comer introduces Survivors Voice Protection Act

House Oversight Chairman James Comer has introduced the Survivors Voice Protection Act following an investigation into government failures regarding the Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking operation. The legislation aims to close legal loopholes that have allowed offenders to use nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence victims.

Key provisions of the bill include defining grooming in federal law as conduct intended to establish an emotional connection with a minor through manipulation or trust-building to facilitate sexual acts. The act would render any NDA void and unenforceable if it prohibits the disclosure of information regarding sexual abuse, applying to existing agreements retroactively.

Additionally, the bill establishes a legal duty to report the grooming of minors to law enforcement. This requirement extends to fiduciaries, including guardians, trustees, executors, and corporate officers or employees acting in a management capacity.