[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 138 (Thursday, November 13, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5981-S5982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RUNAWAY AND HOMELESS YOUTH AND TRAFFICKING PREVENTION ACT

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, as another polar vortex bears down on 
States across the country this week, we must consider how the dropping 
temperatures across the Nation will impact those who do not have refuge 
from the cold. The issue of homelessness is especially urgent in places 
like my home State of Vermont. For those of us lucky enough to have 
warm homes, winter brings a magical beauty. But for those without 
shelter, the cold

[[Page S5982]]

nights can be deadly. Unfortunately, for homeless teens, winter can 
also mean even greater vulnerability to being victimized by human 
traffickers.
  That is why we must pass the Leahy-Collins Runaway and Homeless Youth 
and Trafficking Prevention Act today. This should be unanimous. We are 
talking about helping homeless children and victims of human 
trafficking. There is no good reason to oppose this measure.
  The programs supported by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program 
provide essential resources to homeless children who need our help. 
Amanda, for example, is an 18-year-old living in Bellows Falls, VT, and 
participating in the Transitional Living Program at the Youth Services 
of Windham County. Amanda's mother gave her and her four siblings up 
for adoption when she was 2. When she was 13, her adoptive mother died 
of a stroke. Amanda was devastated, suffered academically, and 
eventually dropped out of school, then struggled with substance abuse 
and became homeless.
  Fortunately, Amanda was connected with the Youth Services of Windham 
County and has turned her life around. She is sober, she is on track to 
graduate from high school, and she has a job. Amanda says of her youth 
worker Danielle, ``She is part of the reason why I try to keep doing so 
good . . . Without her, I wouldn't have what I have today.'' Funds 
authorized by this bill made Amanda's transformation possible. Once 
headed for a life of dependency, she is now poised to become a 
successful and contributing young adult.
  There are currently 1.6 million homeless teens in this country like 
Amanda, and they need us to do our job and pass this bill. This bill 
reauthorizes critical outreach and emergency shelter services that have 
provided lifesaving support for the last 40 years. It takes historic 
steps to address the growing population of homeless LGBT youth by 
ensuring that no young person is denied services based on sexual 
orientation or gender identity. It also addresses new dangers that our 
young people face, like sexual exploitation and human trafficking, 
which urgently require our attention.
  Human trafficking is a growing problem in the United States, and 
traffickers prey upon our weakest young people, especially those in 
need of money or shelter. Too often, homeless children become trapped 
in devastating cycles of abuse and exploitation.
  Runaway and homeless youth service providers are our first line of 
defense. This bill makes sure they are trained to identify victims of 
sexual exploitation and trafficking, so they can help victims become 
survivors.
  After this bill was first introduced in July, it was considered by 
the Judiciary Committee and was voted out in September with strong 
bipartisan support. We had bipartisan input on the legislation, 
including from Senator Cornyn, who offered an amendment that included 
nearly every provision of his Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. 
This amendment gives law enforcement new tools to combat human 
trafficking and provides expanded support for victims of sexual 
exploitation.
  Working across the aisle to enhance this bill and get it passed 
reminds me of the way both Houses of Congress came together to pass the 
Leahy-Crapo Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act just last year. 
Domestic violence, like youth homelessness, is not new. However, the 
challenges faced by victims are constantly changing, and we must be 
responsive to the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. We cannot 
become complacent in the face of suffering. We need to pass this bill.
  I thank Senator Collins for working with me on this legislation and 
for joining me as an original cosponsor. I ask for the support of every 
Senator to pass the Leahy-Collins Runaway and Homeless Youth and 
Trafficking Prevention Act. The American people expect it, and our 
humanity demands it.

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