International Megan's Law to Prevent Demand for Child Sex Trafficking

Floor Speech

I rise today, Madam Speaker, in support of H.R. 4573, the International Megan's Law to Prevent Demand for Child Sex Trafficking.

My very good friend, Congressman Chris Smith, a champion on all issues around human rights, antitrafficking, and taking care of the most vulnerable, has introduced this important legislation to protect children at home and abroad from the scourge of sex trafficking.

H.R. 4573 will provide advance notice of foreign travel by registered sex offenders to the government of the destination country.

Madam Speaker, this notice would allow the foreign government to identify and scrutinize the sex offenders' activity, ensuring that they do not engage in the ghastly practice of sex tourism.

Sex offenders often plan their trips by seeking out the locations where the most vulnerable children can be found, many times in countries where law enforcement is unable to effectively guard against the problem. Madam Speaker, sex offenders should not be allowed to use the anonymity provided by foreign travel to help hide their hideous crimes.

The U.S. should take a leading role as a global defender of children from sexual abuse. This is why I support H.R. 4573, because it will give governments the information they need to prevent sexual offenders from taking advantage of gaps in law enforcement.

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