January 10, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 6 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page H152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          OUR MORAL OBLIGATION TO ERADICATE HUMAN TRAFFICKING

  (Mr. STAUBER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, January is Human Trafficking Awareness 
Month, so I rise today to renew my resolve to eradicate the horrific 
injustice that is human trafficking.
  Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery, as it strips 
individuals of their freedom and dignity. It has absolutely no place in 
our society.
  In my part of Minnesota, many of the women and children preyed upon 
by human traffickers are Native American. In fact, Minnesota currently 
ranks ninth in the Nation for missing and murdered indigenous women.
  As a Member of Congress, I believe we have a moral obligation and 
legislative duty to protect the most vulnerable. That is why I proudly 
support Savanna's Act, a bill that will empower Tribal law enforcement 
to address this devastating issue.
  I will also ensure that the recently created Federal task force on 
missing and murdered Native American women coordinates with State, 
local, and Tribal officials to more effectively solve unresolved cases 
and prevent similar violence.
  While these are steps in the right direction, our work is far from 
done. As a father, a former law enforcement officer, and a Member of 
Congress, I will not stop until human trafficking is eliminated and the 
criminals who have chosen to exploit others have been brought to 
justice.

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