Floor Statements

I thank the chairman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I want to speak in support of the legislation, H.R. 4719, the America Gives More Act. This is important legislation that is actually going to increase charitable giving for the benefit of individuals in need across the country while also assisting those vital charities and foundations that serve them in all of our Nation's communities.

These are bipartisan proposals, Mr. Speaker, and the bill will make many of these provisions permanent. It will improve a variety of tax rules governing charitable donations and charitable organizations, encouraging America's taxpayers to give even more generously and enabling charities to serve those in need even more effectively.

I would also like to address a provision specifically, Mr. Speaker, that I authored that reduces and simplifies the provision, the excise tax on private foundation investment income.

Now, private foundations make a world of difference in our communities. I look at Minnesota, my home State. We have 1,400 different foundations. In 2011, about $1 billion is what they annually would donate to those in need. Nationwide, we have got 81,000 foundations that donated almost $50 billion in 2011.

These are impressive numbers, impressive figures, but as impressive as those figures and statistics are, the reality is they could easily be higher. Unfortunately, the Tax Code is actually discouraging large and increasingly larger donations given by private foundations.

Today these institutions, these foundations face a very complicated two-tiered system of taxation, and there are actually perverse incentives built into the Tax Code for a foundation not to make a donation, not to give a contribution in times when those needs might be greatest, such as after a natural disaster.

This legislation eliminates that disincentive so we can make large donations in times of need and replaces the two-tiered system with a simple, flat 1 percent excise tax on all foundation investment income.

It also simplifies the tax planning process. Especially for smaller foundations, this is important so that they can spend their valuable resources not on expensive accounts, not on expensive or high-priced lawyers but, instead, providing grants to grantees. We need to ensure that charitable decisions are based on the needs of our communities, not based on the Tax Code.

This legislation is strongly supported by the Council on Foundations.

The bottom line here, Mr. Speaker and Members, is that every dollar that these organizations are either paying in taxes or they are giving to accountants or attorneys is one less dollar going to those in need. This bill makes compliance easier and ensures that more resources are available.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the chairman for his leadership. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3086, the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act. This legislation makes permanent the ban on state and local taxation of Internet access. This is vital to ensuring continued economic growth powered by the Internet and digital economy.

I am encouraged by the bipartisan support for this legislation and am hopeful that it will be enacted into law before the November 1 expiration date.

As a former state legislator and Minnesota House Majority Leader, I am a strong believer in states' rights. In addition to the legislation before the House today, I would also like to highlight the efforts of my colleagues Jason Chaffetz, Steve Womack, Suzan DelBene, Jackie Speier, and other members of the Judiciary Committee.

They are working diligently on similar states' rights legislation to address federal law for sales made over the Internet. This is important, because purchasing items on the Internet should not offer tax breaks that are not extended to brick and mortar retailers. States should be encouraged to compete with one another by keeping tax rates low, not by promoting one form of commerce over another.

The Internet Tax Freedom Act has helped e-commerce grow to over $220 billion this year. And with 20 percent annual growth projected through 2017, it's time to update outdated federal interstate commerce laws to ensure all retailers are treated the same.

The tax code should not pick winners and losers. As commerce is conducted on the Internet, we should ensure there is an even playing field for all businesses.

In fact, I've heard from many retailers in my home state of Minnesota about the importance of this legislation to their ability to compete on a level playing field.

Madam Speaker, I'm hopeful this body will also consider this legislation before the end of the year.

Mr. Speaker, continuing to modernize the health care system requires improving the quality and delivery of health care, the backbone of which is the health care workforce. I am pleased to have the opportunity today to talk about a group of students from across the country who represent some of the brightest individuals preparing to enter the health care workforce. This year's United Health Foundation Diverse Scholars Initiative scholarship recipients represent 28 states. They are working hard in their undergraduate and graduate programs-- whether they are studying to be doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, public health specialists, or technicians--to increase the number of skilled professionals entering the health care workforce.

Beyond their academic achievements, I would also like to recognize their commitment to making the health care system more culturally relevant and their dedication to improving the health outcomes of the individuals they will one day serve. Research shows that when people are treated by health professionals who share their language, culture, and ethnicity, they are more likely to accept and receive medical treatment. This will be a great asset to our nation's health care system.

Next week, these scholars will be joining us in Washington, DC to examine some of the nation's most pressing health care problems and potential solutions as part of the United Health Foundation's Annual Diverse Scholars Forum. Since 2007, the United Health Foundation has helped more than 1,400 multicultural students from across the country realize their dream of pursuing careers in health while focusing on the needs of local communities through the Diverse Scholars Initiative.

To these exceptional scholars, congratulations and best wishes for success in all of your future endeavors. I know that our nation's health care system will benefit from your hard work and talent.

Jason Russell, Alabama's 2nd Congressional District; Cadijah Allen, Arizona's 1st Congressional District; Mycolette Anderson, Arizona's 1st Congressional District; Carlene Black, Arizona's 1st Congressional District; Tierra Jishie, Arizona's 1st Congressional District; Wayne Nez Jr., Arizona's 1st Congressional District; Lavalerie Tsinnajinnie, Arizona's 1st Congressional District; Fallon Yazzie, Arizona's 1st Congressional District; Miranda Yellowhorse, Arizona's 1st Congressional District; DaneIle Cooper, Arizona's 9th Congressional District; Brian Daniel, California's 11th Congressional District; Bonnie Chen, California's 12th Congressional District; KaiShan Li, California's 12th Congressional District; James Salazar, California's 12th Congressional District; Rebecca Sedillo, California's 12th Congressional District; Lois Chen, California's 13th Congressional District; Hector Zamudio, California's 13th Congressional District; Qianwen (Polly) Zhang, California's 13th Congressional District; James Yang, California's 16th Congressional District; Monserrat Baeza, California's 19th Congressional District.

Kenia Flores, California's 21st Congressional District; Taylor Jackson, California's 30th Congressional District; Angie Milian, California's 31st Congressional District; Oswaldo Hasbun Avalos, California's 32nd Congressional District; Jennifer Leiva, California's 32nd Congressional District; Samantha Perez, California's 34th Congressional District; Luis Suarez, California's 35th Congressional District; Juan Ramirez, California's 37th Congressional District; Kristy Vang, California's 3rd Congressional District; Tumai Nguyen, California's 41st Congressional District; Elia Salazar, California's 44th Congressional District; Christopher Zermeno, California's 44th Congressional District; Tomas Zurita, California's 45th Congressional District; Jovy Mann, California's 48th Congressional District; Cabiria Lizarraga, California's 50th Congressional District; Abraham Avila, California's 51st Congressional District; Sophia Jimenez, California's 51st Congressional District; Jasmine Nguyen, California's 53rd Congressional District; Jennifer Villalobos, Colorado's 1st Congressional District; Shawntira Johnson, Florida's 20th Congressional District.

Herman Powery, Florida's 20th Congressional District; Emmanuel Adejo, Florida's 24th Congressional District; Evelande Gedeon, Florida's 24th Congressional District; Stephany Feijoo, Florida's 26th Congressional District; Isabella Masieri, Florida's 26th Congressional District; Bricia Santoyo, Florida's 9th Congressional District; Sharmori Lewis, Georgia's 13th Congressional District; Valencia Johnson, Georgia's 4th Congressional District; Marcqwon Day, Georgia's 5th Congressional

District; Ray Hill, Georgia's 5th Congressional District; Ashley Martinez, Georgia's 5th Congressional District; Whitney C. Nwagbara, Georgia's 5th Congressional District; Nicholas Kenji Taylor, Georgia's 5th Congressional District; Ambra Jordan, Georgia's 6th Congressional District; Mayra Estrada, Idaho's 2nd Congressional District; Chiemela Ubagharaji, Illinois' 5th Congressional District; Alma Guzman, Illinois's 4th Congressional District; Emily Soza, Kansas's 2nd Congressional District; Marcus Rushing, Kansas's 3rd Congressional District; Walter Ford, Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District.

Andy Tran, Massachusetts's 5th Congressional District; Maria Loza- Lopez, Michigan's 8th Congressional District; Linda Kerandi, Minnesota's 5th Congressional District; David Koffa, Minnesota's 5th Congressional District; Katherine Laddusaw, Missouri's 4th Congressional District; Nohemi Alvarez, Missouri's 5th Congressional District; Rebecca Espinoza, Nevada's 4th Congressional District; Vivienne Meljen, New Hampshire's 2nd Congressional District; Rose Parks, New Jersey's 1st Congressional District; Genel Wright, New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District; Tatiana Londono Gentile, New Jersey's 6th Congressional District; Lesley Eldridge, New Mexico's 1st Congressional District; Sheridan Cowboy, New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District; D'Ayn DeGroat, New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District; Patricia Dixon, New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District; Martina Martinez, New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District; Katrina Morgan, New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District; Natasha Ramsey, New York's 12th Congressional District; Rick Aguilar, New York's 13th Congressional District; Adrial A. Lobelo, New York's 13th Congressional District.

Karen Mendez, New York's 17th Congressional District; Aira Domingo, New York's 22nd Congressional District; Edgar Flores, New York's 3rd Congressional District; Saera Fernandez, New York's 7th Congressional District; Maya Bryant, North Carolina's 5th Congressional District; Kane Banner, North Carolina's 8th Congressional District; Davontae Willis, Ohio's 3rd Congressional District; Evelyn Gutierrez, Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District; Jalane Jara, Oregon's 3rd Congressional District; Sophia Barrios, Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District; Chiemeka Onyima, Pennsylvania's 2nd Congressional District; Jorge Jaramillo, South Carolina's 4th Congressional District; Elizabeth De La Rosa, Texas's 14th Congressional District; Emily Gao, Texas's 14th Congressional District; Brian lbarra, Texas's 16th Congressional District; Stephen Igwe, Texas's 18th Congressional District; Isis Reyes, Texas's 18th Congressional District; Joann Sorn, Texas's 18th Congressional District; Rio Reyna Pilar, Texas's 20th Congressional District; Duy Bui, Texas's 24th Congressional District.

Tina Anh Huynh, Texas's 27th Congressional District; Valeria Salazar Balli, Texas's 34th Congressional District; Laura Benavides, Texas's 5th Congressional District; Mohammad Ali, Texas's 7th Congressional District; Andrea Burgess, U.S. Virgin Islands, At-large; Yajaira Peralta, Utah's 1st Congressional District; Jose Mendoza, Washington's 4th Congressional District; Sandra Valencia, Washington's 4th Congressional District; Harpreet Singh-Gill, Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the work of the FBI, local and State law enforcement, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for successfully conducting a weeklong operation to address commercial child sex trafficking in the United States.

During this operation, more than 168 juveniles being exploited through commercial child sex trafficking were rescued by law enforcement. The youngest of these victims was just 11 years old, and some of the victims had never even been reported as missing. The operation spanned across 106 different cities and resulted in 281 pimps being arrested who were recruiting minors off the streets and online.

While the operation was a success, it absolutely underscores the need for action to combat child sex trafficking. The House has passed five different bipartisan bills to protect and help victims, go after the pimps and the johns, and also end international sex trafficking. We need the Senate to take action as well, Mr. Speaker.

These are children. And by working together with law enforcement and victims' groups, we will save lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Providence Academy Boys Golf Team for winning the 2014 Class AA High School State Championship earlier this month.

The state title was the first in Providence Academy's history. The Lions golfers all played well--finishing 10 strokes ahead of the second place team. All of the Lions played with enormous commitment and passion throughout the season, culminating with their performance at the State Tournament where they ran away with the competition.

Golf is a game that requires focus, skill, and mental toughness. Despite the pressure of jumping out to an early lead, the Providence team maintained their concentration and finished strong. Their performance is even more outstanding when you factor in how difficult it is for high school student-athletes to balance their dedication to their sport and their efforts in the classroom. These student-athletes should all be very proud.

Congratulations again to the Providence Boys Golf Team, Coach Seiffert, and all of the parents, teachers, and fans who have supported these athletes along the way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Wayzata Girls Golf Team on their 2014 High School State Championship.

The Trojans put on an incredible display at Bunker Hills Golf Course as they broke the Minnesota state record by 22 strokes and finished 19 strokes ahead of the second place team. Head Coach Mike Schumacher had reason to be impressed with his team's outstanding performance throughout the tournament.

It was the Trojan's dedication and hard work that made the team so difficult to beat. After the first round of the State Tournament, most of the athletes spent an additional two hours putting and chipping to perfect their game for the following day. It is this level of devotion that set the team up for their success.

Individually, senior co-captain Sarah Burnham won the silver medal, placing just one stroke behind the first place score. Two Trojan athletes, Jenna Nelson and Madalyn Mrosak, had their best rounds of the season.

Achieving the State Championship Title is an impressive accomplishment, but even more admirable is the Trojan's ability to excel on both the golf course while maintaining a commitment to schoolwork and time with their family. The Wayzata golf team's parents, teachers, and fellow Wayzata students should be extremely proud of their golf team and their performance this season.

Once again, congratulations to the Wayzata Girls Golf on their 2014 State Championship Title.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Edina Boys Golf Team for becoming the 2014 State Champions this season. It is the school's first boy's golf title in nearly 30 years.

Despite a tough field, Head Coach Phil Finanger and the Hornets team were able to come out on top at this month's Class AAA Tournament. Edina finished with a four stroke lead the first day, a small cushion that provided very little comfort. However, the Hornets stayed focused and claimed the 2014 title by a razor thin margin.

The Hornets were led by Sam Foust who finished tied for third in the tournament. Kobi Boe and Bobby Terwilliger played great as well and finished in the top ten. Ben Olson also posted a strong score to contribute to the overall team effort for Edina.

With only one senior, Captain Tyler Nanne, Edina looks to be a tough team to beat for years to come.

Golf is a sport that requires skill, focus, and mental toughness. It takes years of dedication to master the game and compete at a high level. The ability of these young men to excel at the sport while completing their schoolwork, spending time with family, and having a social life should be commended.

Again, congratulations to Edina Boys Golf, Coach Finanger, and all of the parents, teachers, and fellow classmates that supported this team on their way to the 2014 state title.

Mr. Speaker, I couldn't believe my ears when the IRS revealed last week that they have lost all of the emails that have been received and sent to outside individuals by Lois Lerner from 2009 to 2011.

Coincidentally, this timeframe is critical to the investigation into the IRS's targeting of Americans based on their personal beliefs. This excuse would be laughable if it weren't so serious.

Despite the agency's promise of full cooperation and full disclosure, we now know that is not happening. It turns out that the IRS knew since February, and they sat on this knowledge that they would not be able to produce Ms. Lerner's emails.

They waited 3 months, and then they buried it in a 27-page report and released it on a Friday afternoon news dump. This is not the transparency the American people deserve.

Mr. Speaker, enough is enough. While the House will continue its investigation to get answers, it is time for full accountability and the Department of Justice to step up to the plate and fully investigate the targeting of Americans by the IRS.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Wayzata Boys Tennis Team on their outstanding accomplishment of winning their second consecutive Minnesota State Championship.

Even though they lost 6 starters from last year's team, under the direction of Head Coach Jeff Prondzinski the team found a way to regain their winning form.

The team spent the better part of the season mixing and matching players, hoping to find the perfect combination. The long winter kept the team inside and postponed many matches throughout the season. But regardless of the unfortunate circumstances, the Trojans remained dedicated and focused, putting forth extra effort in their free time to improve.

The road to the championship was intense, as Wayzata battled tough competitors to qualify. Among the standout Trojan athletes is Sophomore Nick Beaty, who got the team off to a great start by winning the singles championship. The Trojan momentum continued with victories from Sam Theisen at No. 3 Singles and four additional wins to seal the championship.

Mr. Speaker, This year's well-deserved title carries a little more weight in the player's eyes due to the rocky road that was successfully navigated to get there. It is a testament to the team's perseverance and enthusiasm to overcome many obstacles and accomplish their goal of being the best boys tennis team in the State of Minnesota.

Congratulations again to the Trojan Boys Tennis team, Coach Prondzinski, and all of the parents, teachers and fans who have supported these athletes along the way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Hopkins Royals Boys Track Team for their success in attaining their very first Minnesota State High School Championship.

The Hopkins Team was by no means an underdog at State, but they weren't the favorite either. The boys exhibited enormous effort and passion throughout the season and at the tournament--an attitude that even coaches from opposing teams noticed.

The Royals were led by three outstanding athletes in Terrance Bowers, Shaheed Hickman, and Joe Klecker, who gained valuable team points in their respective events. However, it was the team effort in the 4x100 relay that secured the title for the Royals.

Head Coach Nick Lovas is proud of each athlete's individual goals, but even more satisfied with their commitment to the team. His passion for teaching students is an example the entire community can celebrate.

Mr. Speaker, this title will go down in Hopkins High history because it is the first Boys Track Championship in the school's 108 years of existence. The boys pushed themselves to their limits, ran faster and jumped farther each week, and ended up victorious. This accomplishment is the result of the hard work and dedication from the athletes and coaches, as well as the endless support from parents, teachers and fans.

Again, I want to congratulate the Hopkins Royals Boys Track Team, on becoming State High School Champions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Minnetonka Girls State Track team on winning their second consecutive high school state championship.

Last June, the Minnetonka Skippers overcame the odds and defeated the favored team for the State Title. The girls knew a repeat wouldn't be easy with many strong contenders such as Cretin-Derham Hall, Lakeville South, Alexandria, and Prior Lake. But they remained focused on their goal and came out on top once again.

Seniors Elizabeth Endy, who won the 800 meter title and contributed to the 4x800 gold medal and 4x400 silver medal and Senior Mia Barron, who set all-time state high school records in both the long jump and triple jump events at the State Tournament. Their leadership and athleticism will be missed at Minnetonka next year.

The team sailed to victory due to the energy and vigor of the athletes throughout the season as well as at the State Tournament, where many strong performances had a hand in the win. The team emerged mid-season with strength in middle distance, relays and jumps. Key to the Skippers success is head Coach Reimer-Morgan, who has coached track at the school for 30 years.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud the dedication of both Coach Reimer-Morgan and the members of the Girls Skipper Track Team. Winning a State Title is no easy feat, especially defending the title for a consecutive second year. This win is a testament to the power of teamwork and perseverance of the student athletes.

Once again, congratulations to the Minnetonka Girls Track Team on becoming state champions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight the bipartisan action that Congress has taken recently to stop invasive species like Asian carp from jeopardizing Minnesota's ecological and economic health.

The invasive Asian carp is more than a nuisance. It is a danger to over 158 different species of fish and is threatening Minnesota's thriving tourism industry, an industry that generates $11 billion in annual sales and supports thousands of jobs.

In addition to the economic impact, continued expansion of the Asian carp into our waterways will mean less recreational opportunities to enjoy Minnesota's beautiful lakes, rivers, and waterways.

Thankfully, Mr. Speaker, Congress took action to help stop the spread of this invasive fish by passing legislation requiring the closure of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam, helping prevent Asian carp from swimming upstream into Minnesota's northern waterways.

While more can be done, Mr. Speaker, to solve our problems with invasive species, this provision is an important step in preserving our aquatic ecosystems. I would like to thank my colleagues in the Minnesota delegation for coming together on this issue.

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 264, I missed the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Amendment Offered by Mr. Garrett

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership as chair of the committee.

Members, it is really easy and comfortable to think that human trafficking or sex trafficking only happens outside of the United States. The truth is that it is happening right here, in our own communities and right in our own backyards.

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk to a girl named Dayanna. Dayanna tells me the story of how she is the oldest in a family of a single mother, with brothers and sisters, and her mother had no interest in caring or in giving her or her siblings love and attention.

So Dayanna is looking for love and attention, and she is seduced by a man who promises to treat her and to respect her the way she deserves. He even calls himself her boyfriend. At age 13, within days of running away, Dayanna finds herself in Philadelphia and in Chicago, being trafficked and separated from her family.

Sadly, this is happening to too many young girls in America, and I use the word ``girls'' for a reason. The majority of these victims are not old enough to have graduated from high school. They are not old enough to have voted in an election. They are not even old enough to have passed their drivers' tests because we are talking about 12- and 13- and 14-year-old girls.

Those most at risk of victimization are the vulnerable. They are lured under the false promise of better lives, and then they are forced into prostitution. These girls are victims, and they should be treated as victims, so that they come out of the shadows.

Right now, they fear coming out of the shadows because they view their traffickers as the only means of survival or they fear retribution. They don't feel they can trust law enforcement because most States say they should be incarcerated instead of being treated as victims.

One of the best ways to help these young girls is to remove the fear of prosecution and provide an avenue for them to escape and then to get the services they need, to get the counseling they need. That is what the Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act does. It incentivizes States to adopt those safe harbor laws that have worked in other States.

This is not only the right thing to do to help these girls, but many in law enforcement will also tell you that treating them as victims makes them more likely to assist in investigations, resulting in longer sentences for the traffickers and the bad guys.

Now, while there are many issues that divide us here in Washington, this is an area in which there is agreement and in which there is bipartisan and bicameral work being done.

I really want to thank my colleague, Gwen Moore from Wisconsin, for her work on this legislation. I want to thank Louise Slaughter for her work on other legislation.

In the Senate, I want to thank Senator Klobuchar for helping move this legislation forward. I also want to commend all of the Members who are working on these five bills that we will be voting on later today.

Most importantly, I want to thank law enforcement and victims' advocates, who have worked with us to share their thoughts and to share their expertise.

This isn't a problem that is going to be solved by one group that is working alone. It is going to take all of us working together, learning from each other, coordinating efforts, and then coming together as a community.

This legislation, by the way, is endorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, and by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Madam Speaker, I would like to enter into the Record several letters of endorsement for this legislation.

National Fraternal Order of Police,

Washington, DC, 20 May 2014.

Hon. Erik Paulsen,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Representative Paulsen: I am writing on behalf of the

members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our

support for H.R. 3610, the ``Stop Exploitation Through

Trafficking Act.''

The bill, which was favorably reported by the Committee on

the Judiciary, would establish a national strategy for

combating human trafficking and encourage integration of

efforts among local, State, tribal and Federal agencies. The

legislation includes the appointment of at least one U.S.

Attorney in each district dedicated to this issue,

development of new strategies and district-specific plans as

well as other efforts to train and educate all levels of law

enforcement on human trafficking issues. This coordination

and cooperation is essential to fighting this problem.

The bill also establishes a grant program to create a

national hotline for victims of trafficking. The hotline will

enable law enforcement officers to direct the victims of

these crimes to a knowledgeable and compassionate service

provider, as well as a way for victims to get help before

coming into contact with law enforcement.

On behalf of the more than 330,000 members of the Fraternal

Order of Police, I want to thank you for your leadership on

this issue. We are proud to support this legislation. If I

can be of any additional assistance, please do not hesitate

to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in my

Washington office.

Sincerely,

Chuck Canterbury,

National President.

Members, this is an opportunity to save lives and to give hope to thousands of sex trafficking victims in America. There is more work to be done, and in working together, we can put an end to the sex trafficking.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the chairman for his leadership, along with Ranking Member Doggett.

More than 100,000 children are at risk of being trafficked for commercial sex in America. That is just according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, so it is probably a pretty conservative number. Those most at risk of victimization are the vulnerable, including children in our foster care system. These are young girls age 12, 13, 14, 15.

These youth who have been involved in the foster care system are more likely to become runaways or become homeless at a very early age. In fact, a vast large majority, large percentage of sexual trafficking victims are runaways. Law enforcement has said that. In fact, 60 percent of those runaways being trafficked were in the foster care system at some point.

Madam Speaker, in order to help prevent these youth from becoming victims--and that is what they are, victims, victims of sex trafficking--we need better information also as to what is happening, where, and to whom. We need to identify the trends and fill in the gaps. There are provisions in this legislation that address those shortfalls.

This bill is crucial for addressing the lack of reliable data and reporting to law enforcement as it relates to runaway youth from the child welfare system. The bottom line is we need to help these victims before they become trafficked.

I want to thank Chairman Reichert for his leadership, along with Ranking Member Doggett, for their bipartisan efforts to move this legislation forward expeditiously.

I also want to thank Congresswoman Slaughter for helping author with myself several of the provisions that were incorporated into this legislation.

The good news, Madam Speaker, is this legislation is bipartisan. Hopefully it is going to move forward bicamerally in the Senate as well. It is absolutely an opportunity to save lives.