On the recordJanuary 26, 2015
I appreciate Representative Noem's leadership on this and the opportunity to share tonight how horrific this crime is and how we must unite and stand together to put an end to it. With almost 21 million victims globally and more than 293,000 American youth at risk of sexual commercial exploitation and trafficking each year, this heinous crime must be stopped. This week, I am proud to work with my colleagues to vote on legislation that will take steps to do just that. Tonight I would like to share the story of an amazing woman in my district that I had the privilege of meeting last year. Misty, a survivor of human trafficking, was first trafficked at the age of 14, and it would be 16 more years before she would finally escape a world in which she was brutally beaten and tortured regularly to keep her submissive. When she was severely injured 5 years ago, she thought she was going to die and was too tired to go on anymore. It was then that she agreed to go with a kind police officer who found her that day to get some help. There aren't words to adequately describe the strength and courage of this woman who testified against her trafficker; who, thankfully, because of Misty's testimony this fall, was found guilty of all charges. Despite the horrific conditions Misty had to endure, she willingly shares her story with others and says her experience motivates her to help others who have been in similar situations.…
