Robert Pittenger: “I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Justice for Victims of…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, and much other legislation that we will consider today. I also rise in support of Antonia, Maria, and Rosa, three wonderful women from Charlotte who fell victim to human trafficking. Maria was trapped when she answered an ad for aspiring actresses. Rosa was snatched from a local gas station while waiting for a ride. Antonia dreamed of owning a bakery before falling victim to human trafficking. These women aren't statistics. They are individuals whom I know from Charlotte, ordinary women--someone's daughter, someone's granddaughter. Yet at a very young age they were forced into modern day slavery. According to the Department of Homeland Security, trafficking is a $32 billion a year industry, and the average age for a girl entering the commercial sex trade is just 12 to 14 years old. Madam Speaker, this is one of the most heinous of crimes. As Members of Congress, we have a constitutional and moral obligation to protect the most vulnerable in our society from this horrific exploitation. Increased awareness and education is a critical first step in breaking the cycle of exploitation here in the United States and around the world. Today, we have the opportunity to take legislative action, voting on five bills which will help people like Antonia, Maria, and Rosa.…”