[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2233]]
       TRAFFICKING VICTIMS PROTECTION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 4, 2003

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong 
support for H.R. 2620, the Trafficking Victims Protection 
Reauthorization Act of 2003, which would authorize appropriations for 
fiscal years 2004 and 2005 for the Trafficking Victims Protection Act 
of 2000.
  In these modern times, it is hard for Americans to believe that the 
problem of human slavery still exists. Not only do these crimes against 
humanity still occur, they are increasing in frequency all across the 
globe.
  To further investigate the topic of human slavery and trafficking in 
persons, I held a hearing before the House Government Reform 
Subcommittee on Human Rights & Wellness on October 29, 2003, entitled, 
``The Ongoing Tragedy of International Slavery and Human Trafficking: 
An Overview,'' to examine the worldwide effects of these illicit 
practices, and to discuss how United States policies and programs are 
beginning to have a positive effect in combating these crimes against 
humanity.
  Our investigation found that over 27,000,000 people are currently 
enslaved in some form around the world, and it is estimated that up to 
4,000,000 men, women, and children are forced or coerced into slavery 
every year, which represents the highest concentration of slaves alive 
at one time ever in world history.
  Thankfully, the U.S. Government has been working tirelessly to 
eliminate the practices of slavery and trafficking in persons around 
the globe. This is mainly due to the passage of the Trafficking Victims 
Protection Act of 2000, authored by my dear friend and our esteemed 
colleague, Representative Chris Smith. This law has assisted victims by 
authorizing grants to shelters and rehabilitation programs to help 
victims of trafficking, and by establishing programs to prevent 
trafficking through the enhancement of economic opportunities for 
potential victims. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act promotes 
public awareness of the dangers of human slavery, and provides 
stringent penalties for persons who facilitate these crimes.
  H.R. 2620 not only reauthorizes, but builds upon the successes of the 
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 by (1) requiring that U.S. 
Government contracts relating to international affairs contain clauses 
authorizing termination by the United States if the contractor engages 
in human trafficking, or procures commercial sexual services while the 
contract is in force; (2) promoting innovative trafficking prevention 
initiatives, such as border interdiction programs; and (3) requiring 
airlines to inform passengers about U.S. laws against sex tourism, 
among other enhanced protections for current victims of trafficking.
  Before the passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, 
victims had no hope that they would be rescued from the horrid 
conditions into which they had been forced to live. The enactment of 
this law has not only put forth initiatives to prevent further human 
abuses, but has also given victims of slavery a real chance for 
liberty, and we as Members of Congress should do all that we can to 
promote their freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, reauthorizing H.R. 2620 will continue to protect and 
liberate people who are currently enslaved against their will in these 
modern times, and I strongly urge my colleagues to continue to support 
this most important legislation.

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