Erik Paulsen: “January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. With as many as 25 million people enslaved…”

“January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. With as many as 25 million people enslaved worldwide, human trafficking is an abhorrent practice that has become one of the most important human rights issues of our time. Here in the United States, there are an estimated 100,000 minors at risk of being trafficked. We have taken positive, bipartisan action on a number of bills--18 this past year, Mr. Speaker--to combat trafficking, fight child abuse and exploitation, support and protect victims, and strengthen law enforcement's ability to go after the traffickers. While we can be proud of the progress we have made, clearly there is more that needs to be done, including cracking down on the demand side of the equation and holding websites accountable for advertising sex with juveniles. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to make this effort a priority and work with law enforcement, victims service groups, and other stakeholders to end human trafficking. ____________________”