Letter to the Honorable Claire McCaskill, Senator from Missouri - Request to Reconsider Vote

Letter

Dear Senator McCaskill,

I am writing you today to respectfully request that you reconsider your recent vote to block full and open debate on the S. 178, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

As you know, S. 178, legislation sponsored by Sen. John Cornyn, would boost support for and protection of victims of human trafficking by increasing law enforcement resources, enhancing victims' services and increasing penalties in an effort to combat child sex trafficking, child pornography, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

Human trafficking is a real and growing problem in Missouri and the rest of the United States. The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act would direct more funds to groups across the country that work to combat trafficking and assist survivors of this heinous crime.

Despite valiant and ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to prosecute offenders, Missouri has a significant human trafficking problem. Located at major transportation crossroads, both the Kansas City and St. Louis regions have been identified to be among the top human trafficking hubs in the country.

As elected representatives, I believe any differences with legislation should be resolved through the legislative process. On Tuesday, four of your Democratic colleagues voted in favor of moving forward with debate and gathering the bipartisan support this issue deserves. I respectfully request that you add your name to the list of Democrats willing to support the victims of human trafficking by voting to invoke cloture on S. 178.

As a fellow member of Congress, I sincerely hope you will strongly consider my request and vote to proceed on debate so that Congress can properly deliberate the merits of this important bill.

Respectfully,

Rep. Ann Wagner
U.S. Representative (MO-02)

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