[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 5664]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING ACT

  (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, under the leadership of Senator Cornyn 
and Senator Wyden, the Senate has unanimously passed the bipartisan 
Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. This bill will help stop 
modern-day slavery here in America. The House has passed a similar bill 
under the sponsorship of Carolyn Maloney and myself.
  We have acknowledged international human trafficking for years. Now, 
we acknowledge and put sufficient resources behind the fight against 
the buying and selling of human beings. Slavery in America is not going 
to be tolerated.
  The bill penalizes traffickers and buyers. Mr. Speaker, buyers have 
escaped the long arm of the law for too long. The bill also treats 
trafficking victims as victims and not criminals.
  We can no longer deny the scourge of rape and abuse of our children. 
I strongly encourage the House leadership to immediately bring up the 
Senate compromise, Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, for a vote.
  Victims are people, too. Let it be known that America's kids are not 
for sale, and woe be to anyone that sells them or buys them in the 
marketplace of slavery.
  And that is just the way it is.

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