On the recordJanuary 16, 2018
As we observe Human Trafficking Awareness Month, I would like to recognize organizations in my home district of Miami that are working to put an end to this modern day slavery. As a tourist destination and a gateway to the Americas, south Florida is a preferred spot for criminals to commit these types of outrageous human rights violations. But thanks to organizations like Kristi House and The Women's Fund of Miami-Dade, there is a critical campaign afoot to bring public awareness and to stop this terrible scourge. St. Thomas University has created the Human Trafficking Academy, which offers training and technical assistance to law enforcement, lawyers, and the general public. Resources like the Human Trafficking Miami Hotline, led by our esteemed Miami-Dade State attorney's office, serves victims and survivors of human trafficking by encouraging calls to 305-350-5567. We are also blessed to have devoted law enforcement officers who are committed to a zero tolerance campaign to protect victims, to prosecute and dismantle traffickers. As you can see, Mr. Speaker, south Florida is dedicated to fighting this crime. A future free of human trafficking is out there, and I urge every American to make that a reality. ____________________
