On the recordJuly 23, 2014
I am here today to support H.R. 5081, the Strengthening Child Welfare Response to Trafficking Act of 2014. It has been estimated that more than 293,000 children in the United States are at risk of sexual exploitation, many of whom are imported into this country along the routes used by the drug traders across the Rio Grande and moved through Texas. This form of modern-day slavery is absolutely unacceptable. No one, especially children, should have to endure this kind of cruelty. We cannot ignore that child trafficking is a serious problem taking place right here in our own backyard in the United States of America. Unfortunately, many State child welfare systems do not identify and assist these exploited children appropriately. This bill strengthens the response to child trafficking by conditioning grants to States on their creating plans to protect children from these abuses and atrocities. We had a hearing of the Homeland Security Committee in Houston and learned that often the trafficked children are not considered victims. They are considered the perpetrators. We have got to educate the police departments. We have got to educate the officers on the street. We have got to educate all of America that these children are victims. They need help. They don't need to end up in the juvenile justice system being treated like criminals.…
