Erik Paulsen: “January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. It is a perfect time to highlight the terrible…”

“January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. It is a perfect time to highlight the terrible reality of sex trafficking that is happening in our communities. It is also an opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to take steps to combat this growing problem that now puts 300,000 children at risk in the United States--many of whom are 12- and 14-year-old girls. I'm authoring several bipartisan bills to address sex trafficking. One gives law enforcement additional tools to turn the tide against sex trafficking and help the victims of these horrific crimes receive the support they need and deserve. That's what these young girls are: victims. The second bill improves data systems that track missing children because better information will help us find better solutions. Mr. Speaker, it's time to end sex trafficking, and there's bipartisan support for action. ____________________”