[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 16 (Friday, January 30, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E135-E136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    STRENGTHENING CHILD WELFARE RESPONSE TO TRAFFICKING ACT OF 2015

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JODY B. HICE

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 26, 2015

  Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H.R. 469, the

[[Page E136]]

Strengthening Child Welfare Response to Trafficking Act.
  Human trafficking is an ongoing atrocity that preys on the youngest 
and most vulnerable of our society. The U.S. Department of Homeland 
Security estimates that twenty million people worldwide are victims of 
human trafficking.
  In my home state of Georgia, Mr. Speaker, Atlanta is now widely 
considered a hub in the complex web of illegal human trafficking in our 
nation. Hundreds of young women and children are ensnared in this 
criminal enterprise and are funneled through metro Atlanta on a daily 
basis. One of the most egregious aspects of human trafficking is that 
it takes place in the shadows, and we can only estimate the number of 
young women and children this affects. Congress must do all we can to 
combat and eliminate this terrible practice that threatens the 
foundation of our country.
  I am pleased that the Strengthening Child Welfare Response to 
Trafficking Act is being debated on the floor today, Mr. Speaker. This 
legislation, along with other measures passed through the U.S. House of 
Representatives this week, will make a significant contribution in the 
fight to end human trafficking.
  Specifically, H.R. 469 creates and expands stringent reporting 
requirements for state child welfare institutions so that we can more 
easily track illicit activity. With this information, we will be more 
equipped to address the needs of children who are trafficking victims. 
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 469.

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