Richard Blumenthal

It is time to open the courthouse doors to victims of sex trafficking who have been sold into slavery as a result of ads that right now can enjoy absolute immunity for sites that knowingly facilitate, support, or assist--knowingly…

If we fail to do so, if we fail to close this gap and fill this legal black hole, we become complicit.

I particularly want to thank our colleagues, nearly a third of the Senate, many members of this Committee, who have cosponsored this bill.

This increase in sex trafficking is a stain on our national character.

There are times when the United States Department of Justice fails to be as aggressive as it should be either because it doubts the legal merits of a potential prosecution or a civil claim, or it simply lacks the leadership to do so, and…

I just believe that the legislation being considered today is the wrong answer to an important question.

Congress must fix it. That's why we're here.

It's time to clarify the Communications Decency Act so that we can prosecute those who would sell our children for sex.

Amending the 21-year-old Communications Decency Act is not a sin.

We cannot allow traffickers to conduct their operations on the Internet with impunity and your bill is an important step forward.

It's time to say, 'No more.' Congress must stop allowing websites to promote and profit from sex trafficking.

We are here in large part because of three incredibly courageous young women.

We commend your leadership on this issue.

We really owe them an investigation that's not only thorough and comprehensive, but also as prompt as possible.

It is hard to imagine that the Congress that crafted this protection intended it to operate as a shield against liability for the kind of horrific acts that are the target of your legislation.

I am writing to express the strong support of The Walt Disney Company for S. 1693, the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act of 2017 (SESTA).

Disney rejects that view.

It is up to Congress to change the laws.

I think that revisiting this guidance is something that has to be done, and I hope it will be done.

The rules have to keep pace with the technology, correct?

The rules have to be enforceable.

The rules are as important as the technology.

It's hardly a robust first step.

There must be oversight.

Isn't it necessary to have mandatory rules and regulations enforced by the government, by the Department of Transportation, or some enforcer to protect the traveling public?