[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 150 (Monday, September 19, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H7922-H7926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION ACT OF 2022
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass
the bill (H.R. 7181) to amend the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of
2000 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to seek to provide for
the posting of contact information of the national human trafficking
hotline in the restrooms of each aircraft, airport, over-the-road bus,
bus station, passenger train, and passenger railroad station operating
within the United States, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 7181
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Human Trafficking Prevention
Act of 2022''.
SEC. 2. POSTING OF NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING PHONE NUMBER IN
CERTAIN RESTROOMS.
Section 107(b)(1)(B)(ii) of the Trafficking Victims
Protection Act of 2000 (enacted as division A of the Victims
of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C.
7105(b)(1)(B)(ii))) is amended by--
(1) striking the third sentence; and
(2) inserting after the period at the end the following:
``The contact information of the national human trafficking
hotline (including options to reach out to the hotline such
as through phone, text, or TTY) shall be posted as follows:
``(I) In a visible place in all Federal buildings.
``(II) The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation
with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall seek
to coordinate with the owners and operators of aircraft,
airports, over-the road buses, bus stations, passenger
trains, and passenger railroad stations to place the contact
information of the national human trafficking hotline in the
restrooms of each such aircraft, airport, over the-road bus,
bus station, passenger train, and passenger railroad station
operating within the United States.
``(III) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation
with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and in
coordination with the heads of such other Federal agencies as
may be appropriate, shall place the contact information of
the national human trafficking hotline at each port of
entry.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr.
Fitzgerald) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Texas.
General Leave
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 7181.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 7181, the Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022,
would provide for the posting of the contact information for the
National Human Trafficking Hotline in the restrooms of our country's
transportation centers, where we know many trafficking victims pass
through, as well as all Federal buildings and ports of entry to inform
victims and those who witness suspected trafficking situations that
help is available.
As I have said many times before, smuggling people across
international borders is an equally troubling crime but distinct from
human trafficking. Smugglers must be prosecuted, and the exploitation
of their victims must not go unpunished. While many believe human
trafficking happens only in other countries, the victimization of
adults, youth, and children for the purposes of performing labor,
commercial sex acts, and other services happens on an enormous scale in
rural, urban, and suburban communities across the United States. We can
document that by many organizations that are fighting the scourge of
human trafficking.
H.R. 7181 would require the posting of the National Human Trafficking
Hotline contact information in all Federal buildings; require the
Department of Transportation and the Department of Health and Human
Services to coordinate with owners and operators of transportation hubs
such as airports, bus stations, and train stations to post the contact
information for the hotline in their restrooms; and, three, require the
Department of Health and Human Services and other appropriate Federal
agencies to post the hotline's contact information at every port of
entry.
In 2020, more than 11,193 instances of potential human trafficking
were reported to the United States National Human Trafficking Hotline.
{time} 1645
Ms. JACKSON LEE. In Texas, there are reportedly 313,000 victims of
human trafficking at any given time, including 79,000 children and
youth who are victims of sex trafficking and 234,000 adults who are
victims of labor trafficking. The victims of human trafficking tend to
be concealed, living in fear and isolated, in some cases physically and
in other cases emotionally.
They might remain under the control of their traffickers for a
variety of reasons, including a lack of the basic necessities to
escape, like transportation or a safe place to go. Some may be afraid
for their safety, while others may not recognize that they are under
the control of their trafficker. Even after they are rescued or escape,
there is always a possibility the victims will be revictimized.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is an essential component of
the fight to end human trafficking, offering toll-free phone lines and
SMS text lines that are available 24 hours a day, every day of the
year. The hotline provides help, safety, and hope to victims and
survivors by connecting them to the support and services they need.
They must know that they are not alone. That is the most important
message that we want to give on the floor of the House today. The
victims of sex trafficking and human trafficking, the children and the
adult victims, are not alone.
Victims in crisis can receive assistance with safety planning,
emotional support, and/or immediate connections
[[Page H7923]]
to emergency services, while survivors can get help in rebuilding their
lives. Mr. Speaker, that is an important aspect of this legislation we
are putting forward today.
The hotline also plays a vital role in combating human trafficking by
helping law enforcement identify and rescue victims by receiving tips
about a potential situation of human trafficking and by providing
reports of tips to the appropriate authorities.
We must make every effort to identify victims and ensure victims and
survivors of human trafficking are connected to services that can lead
them to safety and help them begin to restore their lives. That begins
with reaching them where they are and letting them know who they can
call on for help without risking their safety.
Traffickers rely on our Nation's transportation infrastructure to
transport their victims from city to city and State to State. In the
brief moments victims are allowed by their traffickers to have a moment
alone in the restroom of a bus station or airport, they may be able to
call or even text for help. Victims, survivors, and concerned citizens
need to know that help is just a phone call away because one call can
mean the difference between life and death.
Despite the clandestine nature of human trafficking, we have learned
from survivors that opportunities do exist to reach victims, and we
should make the most of them. H.R. 7181, the Human Trafficking
Prevention Act of 2022, does exactly that.
I am very grateful to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries), the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Bass), the gentleman from California
(Mr. Issa), and the gentlewoman from South Carolina (Ms. Mace) for
introducing this strategic and practical measure.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this
bipartisan bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FITZGERALD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, human trafficking is a terrible and tragic evil. We
should do all we can in Congress to fight trafficking and help victims.
This legislation would change the law to direct the Secretary of
Transportation to post the contact information of the National Human
Trafficking Hotline in locations where victims may be able to see them
and seek help.
Because this horrific crime often involves border crossings,
Republicans added an amendment in committee directing the Secretary of
Homeland Security to post the contact information of the National Human
Trafficking Hotline at ports of entry.
It is well documented that human traffickers often use the
transportation industry for both recruiting and operations. In 2020,
the latest year for which data is available, 10,583 incidents of human
trafficking were reported to the U.S. National Human Trafficking
Hotline, and 16,658 victims of trafficking were identified.
We hope this legislation will help to raise awareness about human
trafficking and assist victims in seeking help by posting hotline
information in places where they may see it.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, before I yield to the gentleman for his
closing, I include in the Record the ``Katy Sex-Trafficking Survivor
Teams with White House to Fight Growing Threat''; ``4-Year-Old Among 31
Human Trafficking Victims Rescued in Kansas, Missouri''; ``Texas
authorities rescue 70 missing children victimized by sex trafficking'';
from the Houston Chronicle, November 23, 2020, ``Report: Human
Trafficking Spikes in Texas Amid Pandemic''; and two additional
articles relating to human trafficking.
[From Katy Magazine News, Dec. 10, 2019]
Katy Sex-Trafficking Survivor Teams With White House To Fight Growing
Threat
(By Natalie Cook Clark)
21-year-old Courtney Litvak of Katy hopes her experience as
a sex-trafficking victim can help other young people. As the
Childproof America Ambassador, she has taken her fight
against human trafficking to the White House.
After a year of ``grooming'' from various people, Courtney
Litvak, a Cinco Ranch High School student, left her Katy
home. At 18-years-old, she started a life in human
trafficking that lasted two years. Now, saved and back home,
Courtney works to raise awareness and end this epidemic
affecting students around the country, and right here in
Katy.
Cinco Ranch Student Survived Sex-Trafficking
Courtney Litvak, now 21, grew up in Katy in a loving home.
She went to church every Sunday and competed on a local swim
team. But at 18, she willingly left her home to enter a life
in human-trafficking.
``I was groomed by multiple people over the period of a
year,'' says Courtney. ``This is such a subtle process that
it's easy not to notice.'' She pointed out that social media
is often a major form of communication and makes such crimes
difficult to track.
Victims Lose All Control
``They (victims) don't understand what will be their
reality when they lose control,'' explains Courtney. She felt
she was targeted when she was vulnerable after experiencing a
traumatic event.
``I was assaulted and I became a changed person,'' says
Courtney. ``You should not go through a loss and then become
a target.''
Childproof America Supports Families, Educates Communities
In 2017, Courtney's mother, Kelly Litvak founded Childproof
America, a non-profit organization aimed at educating
families and communities about the warning signs that can
ultimately save children from becoming victims of this
growing trend in our country.
``It's key for people to understand this issue,'' says
Kelly. ``Every household in Katy needs to be informed about
human trafficking. Denial is a coping mechanism and it's
difficult for parents to comprehend. Child and sex should
never go into the same sentence. It's because of this mindset
that this is a threat to Katy. These people are counting on
families to be naive and it makes us sitting ducks.''
Informal Interventions
In addition to her duties as spokesperson, Courtney meets
informally with teens and young adults going through the
grooming process or trafficking.
``A parent will reach out to Childproof America and we talk
for about an hour on what they have found and are going
through,'' explains Kelly. ``Then Courtney is filled in and
if the youth is willing, she will sit down with them and can
help in key activities.''
These meetings are very effective. Since becoming the
Childproof America spokesperson this past August Courtney has
spoken to about 10 students, 3 of whom were boys. Currently,
Courtney and Kelly say that these sessions are seen as being
100 percent successful in getting these young people out of a
harmful and dangerous situation. However, they stress that
these cases will be followed up on.
``You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped,''
says Courtney.
Katy-Based Childproof America Averages 2-3 Calls a Week
Since Childproof America is Katy-based and many in Katy
know the Litvak's story about 80 percent of their calls come
from Katy residents. They average 2-3 calls a week but it
comes in waves. Recently Childproof America worked with the
Children's Assessment Center to host a Childproof America
emergency safety seminar when calls reached a sudden
increase.
``We started receiving so many calls that we felt something
was going on,'' says Kelly.
This is Not the Student's Fault
``I wish someone would have looked at me and said I get
it,'' says Courtney. ``I wanted to be validated and heard,
just listened to. We need to do better at recognizing these
groups and knowing this doesn't happen over night and this is
not the person's fault.''
When Courtney was trafficked, the city of Katy and Houston
community accepted that she chose this.``That is not true,''
says Courtney.
Master Manipulators
Courtney describes the people involved with human
trafficking as master manipulators.
``Everything is in their control,'' explains Courtney.
``All of your decisions are theirs. You're a commodity, a
property.''
According to the University of Texas, more than 79,000
children are being trafficked for sex in Texas alone.
``I've never seen so much coverage especially on social
media,'' says Courtney. ``It's really a combination of more
awareness being brought to it and such organizations are
growing. It (human trafficking) is continuing to get more
sophisticated and growing.''
Interest from the White House
A major initiative launched by Childproof America is the
education and outreach initiatives, specifically Family
Guides, which is exclusive to their group. Family Guides is
inspired by parents of victims and is designed to meet the
need of families in crisis. During a time of stress and fear,
families need a trained advocate who knows how to navigate
the issue quickly to help. Families with minor children and
18+ are matched with a compassionate advocate who can assist
with critical questions in a quick and effective fashion.
It's this program that has really piqued the interest of
officials in our nation's capital.
[[Page H7924]]
Success in D.C.
Just before Thanksgiving, Courtney and her mother were
invited to meet with lvanka Trump, advisor to the President.
In that meeting, they discussed how the current
administration could help fight against human trafficking.
``Ivanka was amazing and a champion for this cause,'' says
Kelly. ``We were prepared to present our mission in a short
time.''
The Litvaks say that lvanka was interested and has followed
up since their initial meeting.
``We're going back to D.C. in January,'' says Kelly. ``We
developed a true trust and lvanka's administration has asked
up for our opinions on top leaders on this topic.''
Putting Everything into Perspective
``What we're doing really didn't sink in until I was there
(meeting Ivanka),'' says Courtney. ``It was really emotional,
which is hard for me to be vulnerable. Our trip to D.C. put
everything into perspective. I'm repurposing the pain and
it's the beginning of something great.''
``There are so many areas where people are suffering,''
says Courtney. ``No matter where the suffering is, I hope to
help and use my platform to establish relationships with
leaders to get the ball rolling.''
Passion for other Areas
Courtney is passionate with other areas of service that she
hopes one day to be able to work with her connections to make
a difference.
``I'd love to help the homeless,'' says Courtney. ``Growing
up in Katy I could never wrap my head around it. I've seen
the gap and want to help.''
Local Schools Need to Open Doors to Expert Training
Childproof America is working with local schools and groups
to help spread their education initiative and educate people
on this difficult subject.
``We have been talking to Fort Bend ISD and now they are
organizing a massive training for everyone from students,
parents, and teachers,'' says Kelly. ``Every school district
needs to swing open their doors to experts to train people on
this subject. Schools need to get over the mindset that if
they have training, people will think that they are having a
problem. We need to empower the community.''
Faith Brought Her Back
Courtney credits her faith in God for giving her the
strength to stop putting harmful substances in her body and
to breakthrough the brain washing to get help and leave that
lifestyle.
``I'm not the first person this has happened to and I won't
be the last,'' says Courtney. ``I always want to continue to
be very raw and very genuine on this subject. I'm not putting
a time stamp on my service. I will always put my full heart
into it but what that will look like I don't know.''
Human Trafficking is in Katy and Doesn't Discriminate
It is important to note that human trafficking doesn't
discriminate. It can happen to anyone, and according to
Childproof America, this activity is happening in Katy and
Katy schools, like it's happening all over.
``I always want to acknowledge that everyone who's been
through this does not need to talk or help others,'' says
Courtney. ``It is extremely difficult and it's a lifelong
recovery.''
____
[From Newsweek, July 1, 2021]
4-Vear-Old Among 31 Human Trafficking Victims Rescued in Kansas,
Missouri
(By Matthew Impelli)
A 4-year-old child was among a group of 31 human
trafficking victims recently rescued by authorities in Kansas
and Missouri.
The victims rescued were sexually exploited, according to
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The 4-year-old was
the youngest victim rescued in the group of 31 human
trafficking victims, which included 14 missing children and
17 adults.
The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement
that, ``The operation took place June 17-26, 2021 in Wichita,
Kansas, Independence, Missouri and Kansas City, Missouri.''
``The results of the operation were announced by Homeland
Security Investigations Deputy Special Agent in Charge,
Kansas City, James Wright,'' the statement read. ``He was
joined by Heartland Anti-Trafficking Rescue Taskforce
partners from across the region in making the announcement.''
Along with rescuing the 31 human trafficking victims, the
operation also resulted in the arrest of 82 individuals. The
individuals ``will be charged with crimes related to
soliciting prostitution, commercial sex trafficking, sodomy,
narcotics violations, felony assault on a police officer, sex
offender registry violations and outstanding warrants,''
according to the Homeland Security statement.
Homeland Security investigators received assistance during
the operation from the Wichita Police Department; the Kansas
Bureau of Investigation; Kansas Highway Patrol; the
Department of Health and Human Services; the United States
Marshal's Service; the Platte County Sheriff's Office; the
Independence Police Department; the Jackson County Sheriffs
Department; Missouri State Highway Patrol; the Bourbon County
Sheriff's Office and the Hutchinson Police Department.
The Department of Homeland Security did not identify any of
the victims rescued or those arrested and noted that ``the
defendants in this case are presumed innocent and entitled to
a fair trial where the government has the burden of proving
guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.''
Homeland Security investigators completed a similar
operation on Thursday in Fresno County, California. Operation
Stolen Hearts focused on arresting human traffickers and
child predators seeking to pay for sex with minors. The
operation ended on June 23 and resulted in the rescue of 10
women and girls ``from the sex trade,'' as well as the arrest
of 21 individuals, according to Homeland Security.
The arrested individuals were charged with ``contacting a
minor with intent to commit a sexual offense, aiding
prostitution, arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd
purposes and solicitation of acts of prostitution.''
Newsweek reached out to the Department of Homeland Security
for further comment but did not receive a response in time
for publication.
____
[From Fox News, June 1, 2022]
Texas Authorities Rescue 70 Missing Children Victimized by Sex
Trafficking
The children ranged in ages from 10 to 17
(By Andrew Mark Miller)
Law enforcement officials have successfully recovered
dozens of missing children as part of a joint task force
operation in West Texas. The three-week operation, known as
``Operation Lost Souls,'' started in late April in the Texas
counties of El Paso, Midland, Ector and Tom Green and
recovered 70 children ranging in age from 10 to 17 who were
victims of sex trafficking, physical and sexual abuse,
according to a press release from the Department of Homeland
Security.
``Operation Lost Souls exemplifies Homeland Security
Investigations' commitment to protecting the public from
crimes of victimization. In this case, we are looking out for
our children--our community's most precious resource,'' said
HSI El Paso Deputy Special Agent in Charge Taekuk Cho.
``HSI is committed to continue working with our law
enforcement partners to locate, recover and help missing
children heal, while ensuring that perpetrators are held
responsible for these heinous crimes and brought to
justice.''
The operation was conducted by several law enforcement
agencies, including the Texas Highway Patrol, El Paso Police
Department, U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI.
``At the Department of Public Safety, teamwork is one of
our core values,'' said DPS Major Matthew Mull. ``We are
grateful for all of our law enforcement partners who
participated in this operation and who work around the clock
every day to protect our communities, including our youth.''
HSI added that several agencies have provided counseling to
the children.
Authorities say that the children who were located outside
of West Texas were found in Dallas, Texas; Colorado; and
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
Federal law enforcement teams have successfully rescued
missing children in operations across the country over the
last few years, including in January 2021, when the FBI
announced it located 33 children in the Los Angeles area.
U.S. marshals in Ohio rescued 45 missing children and 109
additional human trafficking survivors during ``Operation
Autumn Hope'' in October 2020.
____
[From the Houston Chronicle, Nov. 23, 2020]
Report: Human Trafficking Spikes in Texas Amid Pandemic
(By Olivia P. Tallet, Staff writer)
Texas, already the home to the second highest number of sex
trafficking cases, is seeing a steep increase in crisis calls
related to the illegal activity because of the coronavirus
pandemic. What's more, trafficking activities are exploding
online, as criminals adapt to the changing environment,
experts said.
The Lone Star State is only second to California with 2,455
victims and survivors identified in Texas from over 2,000
calls to the hotline, which now includes texts and other
means for victims to communicate, according to a report
released last week by the Polaris Project. The calls led to
the identification of 515 traffickers and 240 businesses
involved in this illegal trade.
An analysis by Polaris comparing the hotline activity in
three periods this year to 2019 indicates that crisis has
worsened by about 40 percent, and that the pandemic has
impacted the victims' vulnerabilities, as well as the manner
of sex trafficking operations nationwide.
The number of cases identified through the hotline is only
a fraction of the prevalence of human trafficking, which is
defined as an individual being deceived or coerced into
prostitution, forced labor, or domestic servitude.
``Calls have more to do with people on the ground knowing
about the hotline as a resource,'' said Ayan Ahmed, a Polaris
spokesperson. ``It's more about awareness.''
Because Houston is considered a hub for human trafficking,
the issue has gained significant awareness in the city, said
Ann
[[Page H7925]]
Johnson, former human trafficking prosecutor in Harris
County. She said hotlines might get more calls here ``because
our general population is more on alert.''
Elaine Andino, a director with the nonprofit United Against
Human Trafficking in Houston, said the prevalence of human
trafficking is hard to gauge because it's mostly a hidden
crime that flourishes in businesses posing as legal
enterprises or exploits victims who are too vulnerable to
report them.
Andino said the most reliable study available in Texas
about this illegal trade was published by the University of
Texas at Austin in 2016, which estimated that there are
310,000 victims of human trafficking at any given moment in
the state. Most are victims of labor trafficking, 234,500,
while 79,000 are minors and youth in sex trafficking.
Victims have been driven further underground and have
become more vulnerable as the pandemic forced the closure of
businesses, saw many employees let go, and prompted an
economic crisis, Andino said.
Many agencies providing services to victims were also
impacted and unable to receive new clients, according to the
Polaris report, titled ``Crisis in Human Trafficking During
the Pandemic.''
``There are roughly about 500 beds in the entire country
for trafficking victims,'' Andino said. ``A lot of these
shelters are restricting how many people come into the
shelters to prevent COVID from spreading.''
While the pandemic closed businesses in industries where
human trafficking thrives, such as hospitality, restaurants
and bars, the criminal enterprise adapted by moving heavily
online.
``A lot of victimization has just moved online,'' said
Andino. ``There are lots and lots of trafficking victims who
are forced to have sex on camera now; we saw a lot of that
really, really spike during COVID.'' Several reports point to
a significant increase in porn consumption during the
pandemic, with modalities such as cam sex and 3D services
gaining traction.
With social distancing, many men have avoided paying for in
person sex, but those who continue tend to be the most
reckless and violent, ``so it became even more of a scary
situation for trafficking victims'' vulnerability to abuse,
Andino added.
The pandemics effect has increased the very vulnerabilities
that put victims in the hands of traffickers in the first
place, said former prosecutor Johnson. For example, some
minors who are trying to escape abusive parenting get sucked
into trafficking. Also, immigrants are more likely to get
coerced by employers to work in dire conditions for little or
no pay.
``Every victim I've seen, whether it's age, race,
background, the common theme, is vulnerability,'' said
Johnson.
Johnson insists that tackling human trafficking will
require increasing services to victims and prosecuting
exploiters, including sellers who profit from the business
and the consumer who pay for the abuse.
``You need to continue the awareness constantly,'' said
Johnson. ``This is not like turning off the water faucet at
once.''
____
[From SpectrumNews1.com, Dec. 16, 2021]
Tips From Community Led Ohio Officials To Rescue 5 Suspected Human
Trafficking Victims
(By Lydia Taylor)
Ohio.--Ohio officials said five suspected human trafficking
victims were rescued this month after tips from community
members led them to two southern Ohio massage parlors.
The West Chester Police Department and the Chillicothe
Police Department contacted Ohio Bureau of Criminal
Investigation in June about tips received about an illegal
massage parlor. After investigating further, the BCI found
connections between two parlors: The Lucky Asian Bodywork,
1532 N. Bridge St., Chillicothe location and the Lucky Asian
Bodywork, 1532 N. Bridge St., Chillicothe location, according
to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's office.
Officials executed search warrants on Dec. 7, finding five
victims who were offered medical attention and access to
other resources. Victim advocates were present during both
searches and talked with the women. Two women were found at
the Chillicothe location and the other three were at the West
Chester location.
The BCI is still investigating.
``If you think human trafficking doesn't happen where you
live, you're wrong,'' Yost said. ``It happens everywhere
across our state and across every demographic. It happens
because of the demand, but won't happen in Ohio without
consequences--we're watching.''
Ohio is among the worst states for human trafficking.
According to data from the Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force,
between 2014-2020, more than 1,300 victims were identified by
officials. In 2019, Ohio ranked No. 4 for the most human
trafficking victims nationwide.
If you are in need of help or know of someone, you can dial
911, contact your local police department or call the
National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888.
____
[May 27, 2022]
Two Separate Human Trafficking Rescues in Tuscaloosa Within One Week
(By Lauren Harksen)
Tuscaloosa, AL (WBRC).--Two teenage girls are now home with
their families after calling 911 from a Tuscaloosa hotel
room. It's the second human trafficking rescue in the city
within a week.
It's an issue becoming all-too common in the Tuscaloosa
area. Thankfully, the latest trafficking victims had a chance
to call for help, but it doesn't always end that way.
``It's extremely unusual for them to call 911 and say, `Hey
we need help.' '' said Tuscaloosa Police Captain Phil
Simpson.
That call was from a 15-year-old and an 18-year-old
Wednesday night.
``There came a time where they did not want to go any
farther with what was going on.'' said Captain Simpson.
``Their initial request was that we help them get home.''
They wanted to return home to their families in a
neighboring state.
Captain Simpson says the two were brought to Tuscaloosa as
sex trafficking victims. Unfortunately, just one week ago, a
similar investigation happened in the area.
``We've seen a lot of this activity increasing and we
believe it's leading up to the World Games in Birmingham,''
said Captain Simpson.
He is also Commander of the West Alabama Human Trafficking
Task Force and says when large-scale events like the World
Games are right around the corner, unlawful acts tend to
rise.
``The traffickers want that business, so they're going to
go where there's a lot of people,'' he added. ``They're going
to take their victims to make them money where there is a lot
of people.''
In this day and age, Captain Simpson says most trafficking
victims are not abducted. Instead, they are coerced.
``What we see is minors who are vulnerable,'' he said.
``They become enamored with somebody on the internet that
they think is innocent and then they meet that person and it
goes from there . . . until it's too far or too late for the
victims to back out.''
Captain Simpson says the typical gateway for these
perpetrators is social media. He encourages parents to keep a
close eye on who your children are in contact with because
you never know who's on the other side of the screen.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FITZGERALD. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as we have heard, the idea of human
trafficking is not going away. This legislation, I believe, will
provide us with the important instruction to give to those victims
where they may find some relief.
Human trafficking is a multibillion-dollar criminal industry that
denies freedom to nearly 25 million people around the world. It is an
ever-present threat to the health and safety of victims, many of whom
are children, but also poses grave danger to public health and safety
and national security.
Although the statistics we recite daily are breathtaking, they
represent a mere fraction of the instances of trafficking that occur,
as human trafficking is a highly underreported crime.
H.R. 7181, the Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022, would help
identify, protect, and provide essential services to victims of human
trafficking, who are often unseen, by requiring the posting of the
contact information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline so that
victims and anyone who sees someone who appears to be a victim know who
to call or text for help.
This is commonsense, bipartisan legislation that I urge all of my
colleagues to support, and I am seeking the support of my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 7181, the ``Human Trafficking Prevention Act of
2022,'' would provide for the posting of the contact information of the
National Human Trafficking Hotline in the restrooms of our country's
transportation centers--where we know many trafficking victims pass
through--as well as all federal buildings and ports of entry--to inform
victims and those who witness suspected trafficking situations that
help is available.
As I have said many times before, smuggling people across
international borders is an equally troubling crime, but distinct from
human trafficking. Smugglers must be prosecuted, and the exploitation
of their victims must not go unpunished.
And while many believe human trafficking happens only in other
countries, the victimization of adults, youth, and children for the
purposes of performing labor, commercial sex acts and other services
happens on an enormous scale in rural, urban, and suburban communities
across the United States.
H.R. 7181 would: require posting of the National Human Trafficking
Hotline's contact information in all federal buildings; require the
Department of Transportation and the Department of Health and Human
Services to coordinate with owners and operators of transportation
hubs, such as airports, bus stations, and train stations to post the
contact information
[[Page H7926]]
for the hotline in their restrooms; and require the Department of
Homeland Security--in consultation with the Department of Health and
Human Services and other appropriate federal agencies--to post the
hotline's contact information at every port of entry.
In 2020, more than 11,193 instances of potential human trafficking
were reported to the United States National Human Trafficking Hotline.
And in Texas, there are reportedly 313,000 victims of human
trafficking at any given time, including 79,000 children and youth who
are victims of sex trafficking and 234,000 adults who are victims of
labor trafficking.
Victims of human trafficking tend to be concealed, living in fear,
and isolated--in some cases physically and in other cases emotionally.
They might remain under the control of their traffickers for a
variety of reasons, including a lack of the basic necessities to
escape--like transportation or a safe place to go.
Some may be afraid for their safety. While others may not recognize
that they are under the control of their trafficker.
And even after they are rescued or escape, there is always the
possibility that victims will be revictimized.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is an essential component of
the fight to end human trafficking. Offering toll-free phone lines and
SMS text lines, that are available 24 hours a day, every day of the
year, the hotline provides help, safety, and hope to victims and
survivors by connecting them to the support and services they need.
Victims in crisis can receive assistance with safety planning,
emotional support, and immediate connections to emergency services
while survivors can get help with rebuilding their lives.
The hotline also plays a vital role in combatting human trafficking
by helping law enforcement identify and rescue victims; by receiving
tips about potential situations of human trafficking; and by providing
reports of tips to the appropriate authorities.
We must make every effort to identify victims and ensure victims and
survivors of human trafficking are connected to services that can lead
them to safety and help them begin to restore their lives.
That begins with reaching them where they are and letting them know
who they can call for help without risking their safety.
Traffickers rely on our nation's transportation infrastructure to
transport their victims from city to city and state to state. In the
brief moments that allow victims to have a moment alone in the restroom
of a bus station or airport, they may be able to call--or even text--
for help.
Victims, survivors, and concerned citizens need to know that help is
just a phone call away because one call could mean the difference
between life and death.
Despite the clandestine nature of human trafficking, we have learned
from survivors that opportunities do exist to reach victims, and we
should make the most of them. H.R. 7181, the Human Trafficking
Prevention Act of 2022, does exactly that.
I thank Representatives Jeffries, Bass, Issa, and Mace for
introducing this strategic and practical measure.
I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan bill.
Human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry that
denies freedom to nearly 25 million people around the world. It as an
ever-present threat to the health and safety of victims, many of whom
are children, but also poses grave danger to public health and safety
and national security.
Although the statistics we recite daily are breathtaking, they
represent a mere fraction of the instances of trafficking that occur,
as human trafficking is a highly underreported crime.
H.R. 7181, the ``Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022,'' would
help identify, protect, and provide essential services to victims of
human trafficking, who are often unseen, by requiring the posting of
the contact information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline so
that victims--and anyone who sees someone who appears to be a victim--
know who to call, or text, for help.
This is commonsense, bipartisan legislation that I urge all of my
colleagues to support. Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee) that the House suspend the
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 7181, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative),
the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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