On Anniversary of Passage of His Federal Human Trafficking Law, Dr. Joe Heck Says Fight Must Continue

Press Release

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Today, on the anniversary of House passage of his Enhancing Services for Runaway and Homeless Victims of Youth Trafficking Act, which was signed into law by the President, Dr. Joe Heck released the following statement:

"That this heinous form of modern-day slavery still occurs is a tragedy at the state, national and international levels. Second only to illegal narcotics as the most profitable criminal enterprise, the $32 billion annual human trafficking industry tricks victims with promises of better lives, only to steal their freedom with forced prostitution and domestic servitude.

"As an emergency room physician, I saw firsthand the physical and mental trauma endured by victims, particularly the very young. Through my work with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, I observed the reach of criminals who engage in this despicable trade. It makes me sick to my stomach that one of my children could be a victim.

"In Congress, I met with local victims, as well as advocacy and law enforcement groups, to introduce national legislation to provide increased resources to aid the most vulnerable targets of human trafficking -- runaway and homeless youth. If elected to the U.S. Senate, I will continue to set aside partisan differences to advance solutions to this to heartbreaking problem, which exists in the shadows of our own communities. I ask that you please join me in raising awareness of human trafficking, because the fight against it must continue."

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