[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 10, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H25]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH

  (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring awareness to the 
fact that January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention 
Month.
  Human trafficking erodes personal dignity and destroys the moral 
fabric of our society. Sadly, it is the fastest growing illicit trade 
in the world, with an estimated 40.3 million people living as slaves 
worldwide.
  In this day and age, it is easy to think of human trafficking as a 
problem that happens elsewhere, but sadly, the U.S. accounts for almost 
52 percent of global human trafficking, with the sex trafficking of 
minors accounting for the largest percentage.
  Unfortunately, this problem has been exacerbated by the Biden 
administration's weak border policies, which criminal cartels are 
exploiting. Obviously, we need to secure the border immediately and 
hold traffickers accountable.
  During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we 
must reaffirm our unwavering commitment to eradicate this crime against 
humanity and to support victims of this horrific crime.

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