House Takes Action to Help End Human Trafficking

Press Release

U.S. Representative Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) spoke on the House floor today to highlight five pieces of legislation passed by the House yesterday to combat human trafficking:

International Megan's Law to Prevent Demand for Child Sex Trafficking (H.R. 4573)
Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (H.R. 3530)
Preventing Sex Trafficking and Improving Opportunities for Youth in Foster Care Act (H.R. 4058)
Stop Advertising Victims of Exploitation Act (H.R. 4225)
Stop Exploitation through Trafficking Act (H.R. 3610)
The congresswoman also announced that she will be holding an educational summit on combating human trafficking. Details on this summit, which will be held in the Second District, will be announced Thursday morning.

"Human trafficking isn't something that's occurring in other countries or other continents, it's happening here in America, and I will be holding a summit later this week in West Virginia in my district to bring together stakeholders to discuss how we can protect our most vulnerable," Rep. Capito said on the House floor.

Please click here to watch Rep. Capito's remarks.

The full transcript of the congresswoman's remarks is below.

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to highlight the human trafficking legislation that was passed by the House yesterday. These five bills will ensure justice for millions of victims and further the fight to end the vicious crime.

"In the United States alone, human trafficking rakes in $9.8 billion for the use and abuse of victims, many of whom are children. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates that each year 100,000 children are falling victim to this vile industry within our own borders.

"Human trafficking isn't something that's occurring in other countries or other continents, it's happening here in America, and I will be holding a summit later this week in West Virginia in my district to bring together stakeholders to discuss how we can protect our most vulnerable.

"These bills are a call to action, to prosecute offenders, to protect victims, to prevent future cases and to educate. By passing these important bills, the House stood up for those voices who have been silent and said no more. I ask the Senate to join us in passing these important bills."

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