[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 20, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H4486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PUNISHMENT FOR SEX TRAFFICKERS

  (Ms. TITUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, sex trafficking is a growing problem. 
According to the Polaris Project, some 27 million people worldwide are 
victims of sex trafficking, of which 1 million are children. Just last 
year in Nevada, 107 children were recovered after being victimized by 
traffickers. And we don't even know how many others wait for our help.
  That is why I am pleased to vote today on several bills intended to 
strengthen the punishments for perpetrators, increase protections for 
potential victims, and ensure that victims are given the support they 
need to recover and rebuild their lives.
  I am also encouraged that we are coming together to condemn the 
horrendous kidnapping of the girls in Nigeria, whose only crime was to 
seek an education.
  Sex trafficking is horrific. It must be stopped. It denies the 
fundamental rights and dignity of its victims. Today, we can take a 
step in that direction. We can take action to speak for those who have 
no voice. So I encourage my colleagues to join me with a resounding 
``aye'' on this package of bills.

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