WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Joe Baca (D-Rialto) today announced that he is creating a Congressional Caucus that will research issues associated with media violence and sexual content and protecting children from these images. The unexpected announcement came at the Federal Trade Commission workshop attended by industry experts, including representatives from Toys R Us and the Entertainment Software Association, which is responsible for rating video games. 

Baca has been a persistent advocate for the protection of children from sexually graphic and violent images in the media and is the author of HR 669, a bill that will make it unlawful for retailers to sell violent and sexually graphic videogames to children without a parent present.  

The Caucus, which will be chaired by Rep. Baca and Rep. Tom Osborne (R-NE), will create a voice within Congress on the issue of sexual and violent content in the media, particularly in the video game, movie and television industries.  It will also look for ways to protect children and prevent violence through education, outreach, and advocacy. 

At the workshop, Baca said, “When I learned that 4 out 5 children can buy video games, with violent and sexual content, I knew I had to do something about it.” 

“I have been amazed by the support we have received from parents, public health groups, and others. We have worked closely with groups like the Lion and Lamb Project to make sure that parents everywhere know the kinds of things that are in these games,” Baca said.  

“As a parent, grandparent, and as a Member of Congress, I cannot sit quietly while these video games are poisoning our children’s minds,” Baca said. “We need a federal law helping parents monitor what games their children play. It is wrong that our children are being exposed to this kind of violence at an age when their minds and values are still being formed.”

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