Ann Wagner: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding me time. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3610, the Stop…”

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding me time. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3610, the Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act. Congressman Erik Paulsen authored this important legislation in order to encourage States to adopt laws that treat trafficked minors as victims, not as criminals. Madam Speaker, there is no such thing as a child prostitute. Minor participants should be considered victims of these heinous crimes and abuse, rather than criminals themselves. They are frequently coerced into prostituting themselves through a variety of methods, including physical and psychological manipulation. Madam Speaker, these children have gone through a nightmare that we cannot even imagine. Their suffering should be at an end once they are under the protection of law enforcement. However, in many cases, these victims are treated as criminals or delinquents, which results in further traumatization. Madam Speaker, the law should protect child victims of prostitution and punish the abusers. The law should define these sexually exploited children as victims of abuse and help them find the protection and support they need to begin to heal. Madam Speaker, I support H.R. 3610 because it encourages States to enact safe harbor legislation aimed at ensuring that these children are treated as victims, not criminals, and are directed to support services, not detention facilities.”