[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 78 (Wednesday, May 20, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S3089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING ACT

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, yesterday's House passage of the 
Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act represents a vital ray of hope 
for the countless victims of modern slavery who need our help. Victims 
groups and advocates tell us that this human rights legislation would 
provide unprecedented support to domestic victims of trafficking. They 
urged Congress to pass it.
  We can now say that we have passed it. We can now say that hope is on 
the way for the victims who suffer in the shadows. Unfortunately, the 
victims of modern-day slavery had to wait entirely too long for help.
  Last Congress, the House of Representatives did its job by passing 
several pieces of legislation, but the Senate failed to bring any 
trafficking legislation to the floor.
  As a new majority, Senate Republicans were determined to make this 
matter a priority. Senator Grassley promptly reported legislation out 
of the Judiciary Committee, and we quickly put it on the Senate floor.
  As we all know by now, there was an unforeseen--to put it mildly--
impediment to getting this bill done. But we were determined to see 
this legislation through to successful completion. Success was possible 
because the new majority kept its focus on facts, substance, and good 
policy for the people who remained our focus throughout the debate, and 
that is the victims of modern slavery.
  I could not be more grateful to Senator Cornyn for his outstanding 
work on this issue. I thank the House for passing such an important 
human rights bill yesterday. Now I urge the President to sign this 
legislation from the new Congress as quickly as possible. The victims 
of such terrible abuse have had to wait entirely too long for 
Washington's help. Let's not make them wait a moment longer.

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