On the recordMarch 19, 2015
for the past 10 days this body has been engaged in an important debate on a bill that has had widespread, bipartisan support, that was reported unanimously by the Senate Judiciary Committee, and that would help to end the scourge of human trafficking. I am a cosponsor of this bill because I believe it will help equip law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools they need to combat these horrific sex trafficking crimes. I, along with my colleague, Senator Leahy, have also introduced a bill--that we have filed as an amendment--that would reauthorize the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act programs so we can also have a prevention piece in this legislation. Many Members of this body have worked very hard on this legislation. Senator Cornyn, whose bill we are considering, has been a real leader in the area of human trafficking. Senator Klobuchar also has a bill I have been proud to cosponsor. Senator Grassley and Senator Leahy, at the request of all 20 of the women Senators, held a hearing on this issue at which I was privileged to testify, along with Senator Ayotte, Senator Mikulski, and Senator Gillibrand. I applaud the Judiciary Committee for its work in shining a light on some of the darkest stories imaginable. No State is immune from the evils of human trafficking. Just recently in Maine, a couple was arrested for allegedly trafficking a girl who was only 13 years old. They used the Internet to sell her for sex.…





