Gus Bilirakis: “In light of the important anti-human trafficking legislation passed by the House, I want to recognize efforts in the…”

“In light of the important anti-human trafficking legislation passed by the House, I want to recognize efforts in the Tampa Bay area to combat human trafficking. I am especially proud of the joint task force formed by Pasco County Sheriff's Office Corporal Alan Wilkett, BayCare's Liana Dean, and many others. Their work brings us closer to a community that is safer for our most vulnerable citizens. Human trafficking is not a distant problem for other countries. It is a human rights crisis happening right here at home. Last year, Florida reported 550 human trafficking cases. That is the third largest number of cases in the country. It is unacceptable. We passed three bipartisan bills to strengthen detection systems, improve education efforts, and protect victims. We have got to pass them in the Senate as well and have it become law. The fight against human trafficking is a fight for the safety and security of our communities. ____________________”