Representative Tom Graves issued the following statement after the House of Representatives agreed this week to 12 bills that combat human trafficking nationally and internationally:
“America should be a place of freedom and opportunity for all. Tragically, for human trafficking victims, it’s a place of oppression and despair. This horrific industry traps young people in a darkness that is often described as modern day slavery.
As the father of three teenagers, including two daughters, I’m especially proud to cast these votes. We must do everything possible to end human trafficking.”
Officials said, "Human trafficking is the world’s fastest-growing business in organized crime. In the United States, it is a $9.8 billion industry, and up to 300,000 young people are at risk of becoming victims of sex trafficking. The average age at which girls are victimized is 12-14."
Included in the House-passed bills are measures to punish both buyers and sellers, and provide assistance to the victims. The legislation also makes it a criminal offense to intentionally advertise for the commercial exploitation of children and other trafficking victims. Online ads are the main method of buying and selling sex with children.
Additionally, the legislation would put in place an international version of Megan’s Law – legislation that requires sex-offender information to be public – which would require the U.S. to give notice to the destination country when a sex-offender travels internationally, and requests foreign governments give notification when a sex-offender travels to the U.S.