Political Quotes

“Finally, there is a funding amendment that has been offered. While well-intentioned, it would, in effect, derail this legislation. It would provide money through Attorney General Sessions to investigate and prosecute websites that criminally facilitate human trafficking. This amendment, too, is opposed by law enforcement agencies. Yesterday, I put their letters into the Record. Every major law enforcement representative agency opposes it because ``the funding amendment is a poison pill that is dead on arrival if sent back to the House.'' I will conclude simply by saying that I believe this measure accomplishes some powerfully important purposes. It would not criminalize the so-called harm reduction communication--information designed to ensure that women and men wrapped up in commercial sex trade can avoid violence, prevent HIV, and access community and support services. H.R. 1865 was not designed to target websites that spread harm reduction information, and the language of the bill makes that clear. The purpose of this bill is much more narrowly focused: A website user or operator must intend to facilitate prostitution. If their goal is to save lives by providing lifesaving information, they have not violated the law. Finally, I want to make absolutely clear, this legislation is not intended to prejudice the rights of anyone who has been victimized by a crime online other than sex trafficking.…”