Rep. Zeldin Announces Passage of Legislative Package to Help End Human Trafficking and Combat Child Abuse and Exploitation

Press Release

Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) announced today that a package of 13 bipartisan bills to help end human trafficking and combat child abuse and exploitation passed the House of Representatives this week. Some of the bills include the Targeted Rewards for the Global Eradication of Human Trafficking (H.R. 1625), Put Trafficking Victims First Act (H.R. 2473), Global Child Protection Act (H.R. 1862), Strengthening Children's Safety Act (H.R. 1842), Adam Walsh Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1188), Targeting Child Predators Act (H.R. 883), Child Protection Improvements Act (H.R. 695), and TARGET Act (H.R. 1625). These pieces of legislation will strengthen protections for children and provide law enforcement with the resources needed to prosecute and convict predators.

Congressman Zeldin said, "Everyday, young adults and children within our nation are taken advantage of, abused, and neglected. Worse still is how many are trafficked, sold into a modern form of slavery, and utterly deprived of a childhood. It is during these pivotal years of their youth that they are most susceptible to harm, and require guidance and care from loved ones. One child being subjected to these horrors is too many, and as Americans we must do more to defend them. A crucial part of this is to ensure our law enforcement professionals are provided with the tools and information required to take down predators and traffickers. Children are the most vulnerable members of our society, and the thought that they may be exploited or worse is absolutely sickening.

"As a father and Member of Congress, I am obligated to do everything possible to ensure that no child faces abuse or neglect, and that those who would commit such horrific crimes are apprehended and convicted. I am proud to have supported and helped pass this legislative package which directly strengthens protections within the United States by reauthorizing child safety programs, expanding safeguards for those minors engaging in foreign travel, authorizing law enforcement to better take down human traffickers, and much more. While no one bill will eradicate child abuse and exploitation, this package will fortify protections for our children and give law enforcement the teeth needed to take on these predators. No human being should ever be a victim to abuse, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress, as well as our officials on the state and local levels, as we move towards achieving this critical goal," Congressman Zeldin concluded.

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