Poe & Maloney Applaud House Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act

Today Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX), Chairman of the Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) issued the following statement on the House passage of the bipartisan Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

"In a time of seemingly constant partisan gridlock, there is one thing we can all agree on: our children are not for sale," said Congressman Ted Poe. "Human trafficking is a $9.8 billion criminal enterprise that exists in cities across America. The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) addresses each of the three different groups involved in the crime of human trafficking: the trafficker, the buyer and the victim. JVTA implements a new, robust and aggressive strategy to help combat human trafficking in the United States. It targets demand by treating those who buy sex from minors and other trafficking victims like what they are: criminals. Finally, JVTA encourages a victim-centered approach to fighting human trafficking so that victims are no longer treated as criminals. The House has once again taken action to end modern day slavery in America. I am hopeful that the bill will make it to the President's desk."

"The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act will strengthen our hand against human trafficking and is long overdue," said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY). "This legislation will attack this crime at the source by going after the Johns and the traffickers. It will also provide services to the women and girls who have been sold into sexual slavery. I thank Congressman Poe for his strength and leadership on this issue. Now that the House has taken action, I am hopeful that the Senate will do so as well."

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