Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2014

Floor Speech

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Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this important legislation and want to thank my Judiciary Committee colleague, Mr. Poe, for all his work on this bill and this issue.

As a cosponsor of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, I join the ever-growing number of Americans who are standing up to the abhorrent practice of human trafficking.

Worldwide awareness concerning the trade in persons has increased significantly in recent years, but awareness isn't enough.

With an estimated 27 million persons in slavery around the world and hundreds of thousands within our own nation, now is the time for action.

This legislation will help combat human trafficking by--boosting support and protection for domestic human trafficking victims, increasing and streamlining law enforcement resources, enhancing victims' services, and strengthening our laws to ensure that both buyers and sellers engaged in sex trafficking are held accountable for their crimes.

I hope this body will join the anti-trafficking movement by adopting this legislation with strong bipartisan support.

By doing so, we join those who have already taken action against modern-day slavery--folks like my constituent, Vicki Moore.

Ten years ago, Vicki was alarmed to read about the commercial sex trade in India.

But she wasn't just alarmed. She decided to do something about it.

Vicki founded a non-profit called Rahab's Rope.

Her organization gives hope and opportunity to women and girls who are at risk or have been forced into the commercial sex trade in India.

Women helped by Rahab's Rope in India have the opportunity to produce items that are then sold at the organization's store in Gainesville.

Proceeds from those sales go to help even more women and girls in India.

The Rahab's Rope store also serves the important function of raising awareness of the sex trade in India and worldwide.

In addition to its work overseas, Rahab's Rope works with local organizations in Georgia to help women break out of the cycle of poverty through education, skills and training, job coaching, and more.

As a long time supporter of Rahab's Rope, I commend Vicki and others who have been on the front lines of this battle.

And hope this body will do everything in its power to support their vital work of combating human trafficking.

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