Brad Wenstrup: “It is shocking: human trafficking is the fastest growing business of organized crime and the third largest criminal…”

“It is shocking: human trafficking is the fastest growing business of organized crime and the third largest criminal enterprise in the world. In my home State of Ohio, the most common age a child becomes victimized by trafficking is 13 years old. At 13, a child should be looking forward to their first days of high school, not living in fear. In 2014 alone, in Ohio, 98 arrests were made in human trafficking investigations, involving 181 potential victims. Today, the House is fighting back. The anti-trafficking bills this week will take aim at modern trafficking networks and the criminals who seek to abuse the lives of their victims. These bills encourage States to adopt safe harbor laws, enhance services for homeless youth, and further protect children in our Nation's foster system. We must help survivors reclaim their lives through heightened public awareness and increased collaboration among governments. Our Founders declared inherent and inalienable the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Human trafficking violates these core rights. A strong commitment to every human life will help the millions who suffer in the dark shadows of this heinous crime. ____________________”