Erik Paulsen: “We all know that human trafficking is a major problem right here in the United States. It is happening in every one of…”

“We all know that human trafficking is a major problem right here in the United States. It is happening in every one of our communities. This week, as millions of Americans gather to watch the Super Bowl, I would like to shine a light on another troubling fact, and that is that there is an increase in the human trafficking and sex trafficking in the days surrounding the Super Bowl. Last year, in a few weeks leading up to the Super Bowl event, the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office identified 42 potential victims of sex trafficking during a series of stings and cited 30 additional men for soliciting prostitution. The good news is, Mr. Speaker, we are drawing attention to this fact and working hard to end this heinous practice. Next year, my home State of Minnesota will be hosting the Super Bowl, and our host committee is already working hard in collaboration with Federal and local law enforcement, with government agencies, with advocacy groups and victims' service organizations to develop a comprehensive and coordinated plan to address the issue. That is because, Mr. Speaker, over the next year, we will continue to end the practice of human trafficking, working tirelessly, and this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase how we can have freedom from the ugliness of trafficking. ____________________”