Ann Wagner: “I thank the chairman very much for his leadership on this issue and so many others. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support…”

“I thank the chairman very much for his leadership on this issue and so many others. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 178, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, and all of the House-passed human trafficking legislation that was incorporated into this Senate bill. Mr. Speaker, today marks the culmination of a long journey for myself and many Members in both Chambers who have worked on this important issue. This legislation represents a significant step forward in the Federal Government's efforts to combat the scourge of modern-day slavery, known as human trafficking. This bill makes enormous progress in the fight against trafficking by providing resources to law enforcement officials and collecting fees from sex traffickers that go into a new fund for victims. It also includes my signature legislation, the SAVE Act, which make it illegal to knowingly advertise the victims of human trafficking, especially on the Internet. I thank my friends and colleagues, Senator Mark Kirk and Dianne Feinstein, for offering the SAVE Act as an amendment to this very important legislation. Beyond the multiple tools and resources it gives to law enforcement and survivors, this legislation also serves an important symbolic purpose. This bill symbolizes the longstanding and steadfast commitment that Members of Congress have towards protecting the most vulnerable members of our society. No longer will the cruel exploitation of women and children be allowed to continue unchecked.…”