Expands federal ban on commercial sex and patronizing minors

Expands the listed federal offenses to explicitly include persuading, engaging in, soliciting, paying for, entering a place to engage in, or attempting commercial sex acts with a minor.

Removes several traditional defenses: lack of knowledge of the victim’s age is not a defense and proof of force, fraud, or coercion is not required when the victim is a minor.

Specifies that an undercover officer posing as a minor is not a defense to prosecution.

Increases the mandatory minimum prison term to at least 10 years, and to 15 years if the minor is under 14; maximum remains life imprisonment.

Clarifies that the statute covers use of interstate commerce including telephone and internet, and defines 'minor' as under 18.