Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2014

Floor Speech

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Ms. BASS. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. I am a proud cosponsor of this bill because I know it will play a vital role in our fight against child trafficking.

First, I would like to commend Judge Poe for offering the bill and for his ongoing commitment to end child trafficking and fighting for victim rights. I would also like to commend Chairman Goodlatte, the ranking member, and Representative Maloney for their long work on this issue; and in the case of Representative Maloney, she has worked on this issue for many, many years.

Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of American children are trafficked each year. Our kids are robbed of their innocence and coerced into a life on the streets where they are repeatedly abused.

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act will provide much-needed grants to help provide necessary services to prevent exploitation and rebuild the lives of trafficking survivors. Specifically, the grants will be used to establish a variety of new programs, such as education, housing, job training, and placement for survivors; victims services programs, such as a 24-hour emergency social service response system and counseling; and specialized training programs for law enforcement officers, first responders, health care officials, and child welfare officials. Innovative and specialized courts with wraparound services like the STAR Court in Los Angeles County, which specifically focuses on girls and boys who are trafficked, will also be eligible for the grant funding.

By reinvigorating the Crime Victims Fund, this bill also helps survivors recover from their trauma and develop normal, productive lives.

Furthermore, the bill tackles demand by holding the buyers accountable for their actions. No longer will the perpetrators get away without a serious punishment to fit their crime. I personally refuse to call them ``johns,'' a term which provides cover. Instead, they are child abusers who are committing rape. This bill will help to ensure their charges reflect the horrific nature of child trafficking.

Lastly, this bill will help protect our foster kids. It requires States to notify the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

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Ms. BASS. It requires States to notify the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about kids missing from foster care. This is important because foster children disappear into the shadows and no one tries to find them. Once these kids fall off the radar, they often become trafficking victims. Making sure that we are looking out for these kids is critical to protecting them from trafficking. We have to be vigilant, and we have to give these kids the care and attention they deserve.

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