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H.R. 4547: Defending America's Most Vulnerable: Safe Access to Drug Treatment and Child Protection Act of 2004

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H.R. 4547: Defending America's Most Vulnerable: Safe Access to Drug Treatment and Child Protection Act of 2004

108th Congress · introduced 2004-06-14 · Crime and Law Enforcement · Latest: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

  1. Where it came from: introduced 2004-06-14 · official record
  2. Who proposed it: Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] · what a sponsor is
  3. What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
  4. Where it stands now: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
  5. If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

Defending America's Most Vulnerable: Safe Access to Drug Treatment and Child Protection Act of 2004

Plain summary

Defending America's Most Vulnerable: Safe Access to Drug Treatment and Child Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to expand penalties for drug distribution to persons under age 21 and to cover attempts, conspiracy, and distribution, without regard to the type of controlled substance and schedule. Modifies provisions regarding distributing or manufacturing drugs in or near schools to delete the "100 feet" limitation, to include public libraries and daycare facilities, and to increase imprisonment terms. Increases or expands the scope of penalties regarding employing children to distribute drugs near schools and playgrounds, employing persons under age 18 in drug distribution, and distributing drugs to underage persons. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend the sentencing guidelines to: (1) increase base offense levels for drug-related offenses involving minors; and (2) provide for specified sentencing enhancements for persons possessing or brandishing a firearm. Prohibits distributing or manufacturing a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a drug treatment facility. Modifies: (1) Federal criminal code provisions regarding the sentencing of a defendant who substantially assists the Government in an investigation and prosecution, and regarding detention prior to sentencing; and (2) the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure regarding the acceptance or rejection of plea agreements. Amends the CSA to: (1) increase penalties for, and expand the scope of provisions regarding, endangering human life while illegally manufacturing a controlled substance; and (2) provide for life imprisonment without release for drug felons and violent criminals convicted a third time.

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Defending America's Most Vulnerable: Safe Access to Drug Treatment and Child Protection Act of 2004

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House)

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The strongest published arguments

Arguments for (supporters)

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Arguments against (opponents)

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] · 20 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Cosponsors on this site

John R. Carter (R-TX), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (1)
Rulemaking
The process agencies use to write regulations that carry out laws passed by Congress or a legislature. Usually an agency publishes a proposed rule, takes public comments, then publishes a final rule.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong108-hr4547 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong108 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong108