Rep. Yoho Votes To Stop Human Trafficking And To Care For Its Victims
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-3) continues to take a stand against the horrific crime that is human trafficking. He voted in favor of twelve bills that combat the growing problem of human trafficking, protect our children, and make sure the victims of this heinous crime receive the support and care they need.
Congressman Yoho gave a speech on the floor of the House urging members to act and to raise awareness that human trafficking is the world’s fastest growing criminal enterprise and an estimated 22 million people are being trafficked worldwide. You can watch his speech here.
Excerpt from his speech:
“….This week, the House of Representatives will pass a series of bills designed to streamline law enforcement resources, toughen penalties for offenders, and provide resources to victims. I commend the sponsors of these bills, as well as all the Members up here today who are willing to stand up and say, “enough is enough.”
“Human trafficking is not a Republican or Democrat issue. Taking a stand against trafficking is something we all must do – remembering that while January is National Human Trafficking Awareness month – we must always be vigilant and active in our fight.
“Mr. Speaker, no neighborhood is immune. No city is exempt. These victims are a part of our daily lives – quietly suffering with almost nowhere to turn. We cannot in good conscience continue our daily routines without making every effort to stamp out the practice of forced labor, domestic servitude, and sex trafficking.
“Whether you are a college student, business owner, or stay at home parent – we all play a role. And our role in Congress starts with supporting this much-needed legislation to dismantle this horrific enterprise. ……”
List of bills that combat Human Trafficking passed this week:
Human Trafficking Prioritization Act (H.R. 514), sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), prioritizes the fight against human trafficking within the Department of State according to congressional intent in the 2000 Trafficking Victims Protection Act without increasing the size of the federal government.
International Megan’s Law to Prevent Demand for Child Sex Trafficking (H.R. 515), sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), increases communication between the U.S. and other countries regarding sex offenders’ travel and allows the Secretary of State to restrict the passports of people convicted of sex crimes in other countries.
Human Trafficking Prevention Act (H.R. 357), sponsored by Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), increases training for State Department employees so they are better equipped to identify victims of severe forms of trafficking and providing for the protection of such victims.
Enhancing Services for Runaway and Homeless Victims for Youth Trafficking Act (H.R. 468), sponsored by Rep. Joe Heck (R-NV), improves support provided specifically to run away and homeless youth who are victims of sex trafficking.
Strengthening Child Welfare Response to Trafficking Act (H.R. 469), sponsored by Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), improves practices within state child welfare systems to identify and document sex trafficking cases.
To improve the response to victims of child sex trafficking (H.R. 246), sponsored by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH), updates the statute to use the term “child sex trafficking, including child prostitution” for cybertipline reporting to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Trafficking Awareness Training for Health Care Act (H.R. 398), sponsored by Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC), develops evidence-based best practices for health care workers to identify and assist victims of human trafficking.
Human Trafficking Detection Act (H.R. 460), sponsored by Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC), directs the Homeland Security Secretary to train Department of Homeland Security personnel how to effectively deter, detect, disrupt, and prevent human trafficking during the course of their primary roles and responsibilities.
Human Trafficking Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery Act (H.R. 350), sponsored by Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD), directs the existing Interagency Task Force established under the 2000 Trafficking Victims Protection Act to review federal and state activities to prevent children from becoming trafficking victims, survey academic research on the topic, and propose best practices. The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office to review federal and state efforts, including federal grants, to combat human trafficking, and clarifies that existing grants may be used to provide shelter services to trafficking victims.
Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act (H.R. 159), sponsored by Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN), encourages states to establish safe harbor laws so that trafficked minors can seek protective services and counseling as victims, without fear of facing jail and being targeted as part of the problem.
Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (H.R. 181), sponsored by Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX), boosts support and protection for domestic human trafficking victims. The bill also makes improvements to current law, such as increasing and streamlining law enforcement resources, enhancing victims’ services, and holding both sellers and buyers engaged in sex trafficking accountable.
Stop Advertising Victims of Exploitation Act (H.R. 285), sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO), criminalizes those who knowingly advertise for the commercial exploitation of children and trafficking victims.
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Congressman Ted Yoho serves on the Foreign Affairs and Agriculture Committees. He represents North Florida’s 3rd Congressional District