Jim Kolbe: “I would just rise to say that I am prepared, if the gentlewoman will keep her remarks very short, to accept this…”

“I would just rise to say that I am prepared, if the gentlewoman will keep her remarks very short, to accept this amendment. The CHAIRMAN. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California for 5 minutes. Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. I do recognize that. Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. We will miss you sorely on this committee and the work that you have done, along with our distinguished ranking member. Today I do offer this amendment that addresses one of the greatest atrocities of the 21st century, and that is the trafficking of men, women, and children for forced labor and sexual exploitation. The Economic Support Fund operates to provide financial assistance for various developmental programs worldwide, including 266 programs to eradicate human trafficking. These programs are designed to present a multifaceted defense against the various and varied crimes that comprise human trafficking. We know that this year the committee has provided $8 million for the use of this program. That is a start, but it is less than what the President has suggested in the program. Of course, I am proposing a modest increase of $2 million. This amendment offsets the increase by those things that have been outlined in the amendment. It is not enough that we pay lip service to this problem, we actually have to lead the 21st Century Abolitionist Movement against modern day slavery. I am very happy to present this amendment.…”