Karen Bass

I believe it is fair to say that here in the U.S. all of us have been touched by stories of families--I know I certainly have--friends and neighbors caring for elderly relatives diagnosed with dementia.

I also want to thank our witnesses this afternoon and applaud them for their ongoing contribution to the U.S. leadership and robust global engagement in this field.

Most immediately we must work with the parties toward the success of the ongoing negotiations in Addis.

The parties involved must understand this and look to the future of their country and to their responsibilities and leaders.

I want to thank her for her leadership on this issue as she serves as the co-chair of the congressional caucus on dementia.

But today that excitement, anticipation and joy is being tested as South Sudan is engulfed in conflict.

Part of the problem is that, up until now, you are right, they have contracted out to different consulting agencies.

I think the European experience is being overshadowed, frankly, by these economic partnership agreements which the EU is trying to jam down the throat of many African governments.

I think we need a fresh look.

We need a one-stop shop for U.S. trade facilitation and investment facilitation in Africa.

I think Congresswoman Bass might remember that.

I actually want to follow up on what you were saying in terms of the labor recruiting.

In 2013, 60 percent of the child sex trafficking victims recovered as a part of an FBI nationwide raid from over 70 cities were children from foster care or group homes.

It is absolutely unacceptable to allow the continued victimization and abuse of a population that we have vowed to care for and protect.

I do not understand, and maybe I am wrong, but that the men are not charged with rape.

I want to thank Chairman Royce for convening this hearing and in general for his leadership on the Foreign Affairs Committee.

It is raising the issue of really going after the demand, obviously the traffickers, but----

It is my hope that today's hearing will shed light on both the global statistics as well as the local trends right here in southern California.

Because anybody is supposed to know that. I mean, that is statutory rape, right?

To address the gaps, I have introduced H.R. 1732, the Strengthening Child Welfare Response to Trafficking Act.

I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues.

we cannot continue to fail our Nation's children.

these first steps do not require additional Federal funding.

the fact is that if it is a third party who is the perpetrator of abuse, then it doesn't fall within most State statutes.

Thank you, Ranking Member Doggett. I rise today in support of the Promoting Adoption and Legal Guardianship for Children in Foster Care Act. First, I would like to commend Chairman Camp and Chairman Reichert and Ranking Members Levin and…