Ann Wagner: “I would like to draw attention to this bracelet that I have on that many of my colleagues are going to be wearing over…”

“I would like to draw attention to this bracelet that I have on that many of my colleagues are going to be wearing over the next 2 days as we pass 12 pieces of human trafficking legislation. This tab bracelet was handmade by dedicated volunteers to raise funds for Crisis Aid International safe homes in my own hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. The safe homes provide comfort and support for young women rescued from the horrors of sex trafficking. The bracelet project, which was inspired by an 11-year-old victim wanting to make a difference, has become the symbol of hope for these precious young people. Join me. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wearing this bracelet to spread awareness about the scourge of sex slavery. Next, it is my pleasure to yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio, Representative Joyce Beatty. Last year, Congresswoman Beatty partnered with Senator Portman from Ohio to introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the Bringing Missing Children Home Act, to improve law enforcement reporting and response procedures in cases of missing children, the most vulnerable victims of child trafficking and sexual exploitation. This Congress, she introduces H.R. 246, which would improve and update the Missing Children's Assistance Act in order to reflect the current state of Federal law and reinforce that children who are sex- trafficked or sexually exploited are victims and not criminals.…”