[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HUMAN TRAFFICKING PRIORITIZATION ACT

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                               speech of

                            HON. LUKE MESSER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2014

  Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Human Trafficking 
Prioritization Act, which will bolster America's efforts to prevent 
human trafficking.
  I want to commend Chairman Royce and Representative Chris Smith for 
bringing this measure forward.
  Despite international condemnation, trafficking in persons is still a 
prolific violation of human rights that affects people in every 
country, including the United States.
  This transnational crime exploits the most vulnerable and often 
subjects the victims to mental and physical abuse.
  The United States has responded to this widespread human rights 
violation by creating in the State Department the Office to Monitor and 
Combat Trafficking, which focuses on the prevention and prosecution of 
human trafficking, and the protection of its victims.
  This legislation would further strengthen U.S. anti-trafficking 
policies by designating this office as a bureau with direct access to 
the Secretary of State, all without expanding the role of the Federal 
government.
  A vote for this legislation is a vote in favor of prioritizing the 
protection of human dignity.
  I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

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