03.10.15

McConnell: ‘Victims Are Counting On Us To Act’

Cornyn & Klobuchar: ‘We Must Join Together And Take Action’ To End Trafficking

 

CORNYN & KLOBUCHAR: ‘Young People Are Being Robbed Of Their Innocence,’ ‘Fight This Modern-Day Slave Trade’

SENS. JOHN CORNYN (R-TX) & AMY KLOBUCHAR (D-MN): “Instead of treating people like these young girls as the victims they are, they are often thrown into the criminal justice system, labeled prostitutes and left with few options but to return to a nightmare that shockingly still exists in the United States. Meanwhile, instead of treating their perpetrators as child rapists and traffickers, they are often simply treated as ‘Johns’ who, if caught, often pay a fine and go on their way. This is outrageous, and should not be tolerated any longer. That is why we've joined forces with more than 200 advocacy groups to fight this modern-day slave trade and provide hope and opportunity for its victims. … The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) would support victims…” (Sens. Cornyn & Klobuchar, “Sex Trafficking Exists, Here In America,” CNN, 3/9/15)

“The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced … (S 178) introduced by John Cornyn, R-Texas, [which] would use fines and penalties against perpetrators for more restitution and assistance funds for victims, according to a summary from co-sponsor Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.” (“Lynch Nomination Heads to Senate Floor Vote,” CQ Roll Call, 2/26/15)

  • 13 Democrat Co-Sponsors: Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tom Udall (D-NM), Bob Casey (D-PA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Blumenthal (D-CT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Barbara Boxer (D-CA). (S.178, Introduced 1/13/15)

SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R-KY): “Mr. President, Senators from both sides of the aisle and from multiple committees have worked hard to address the terrible crime of human trafficking. This is a growing area of domestic and international activity. Victims are counting on us to act. That is why tomorrow the Senate will begin consideration of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. … It is no wonder the Judiciary Committee supported, without opposition, the bipartisan bill we will begin considering tomorrow. After a reasonable period of debate and amendment, we hope to see strong bipartisan support here on the Senate floor as well.” (Sen. McConnell, Congressional Record, S.1323-4, 3/9/15)

  • SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV): “Mr. President, on human trafficking, I underscore, appreciate, and agree with the statement of the Republican leader. I feel very confident we will clear on our side moving to that. I think it would be a waste of the Senate's time to have a vote on a motion to proceed and a waste of time afterward, so I hope we can get on this legislation tomorrow. I doubt there will be problems on my side. If there are, I will work to clear them.” (Sen. Reid, Congressional Record, S.1324, 3/9/15)

184 GROUPS: ‘We Urge Congress To Pass This Critical Piece Of Legislation’

184 Groups: “We are a coalition of organizations from across the United States dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable women and children and write to express our support for the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, S. 178 (JVTA). … As leaders in the anti-trafficking, anti-violence, child welfare, civil rights, runaway and homeless youth, and human rights movements, we urge Congress to pass this critical piece of legislation.” (“Letter Of Support From Advocacy Groups, Letter To Senators Grassley & Leahy, 2/23/15)

  • “The JVTA provides unprecedented resources to address the issue of domestic victims of trafficking, who are too often invisible and underserved, by creating grants for state and local governments to develop comprehensive systems to address these crimes and provide services for victims.” (Advocacy Groups, Letter To Senators Grassley & Leahy, 2/23/15)
  • “…the Act will directly assist domestic victims of trafficking by finally allowing them access to the same services and support systems that have been previously available only to foreign victims of human trafficking in the U.S.” (Advocacy Groups, Letter To Senators Grassley & Leahy, 2/23/15)
  •  “This legislation is vital. The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 represents an effort to provide the necessary support services to our domestic victims of trafficking in the U.S. and to target the culture of impunity for those who seek to purchase sex, especially with children. … We urge Congress to pass this critical piece of legislation.” (“Letter Of Support From Law Enforcement Groups,” Letter To Senators Grassley & Leahy, 2/24/15)

 

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SENATE REPUBLICAN COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

Related Issues: Combating Sex Trafficking, Senate Democrats