Floor Statements

Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from California for his enormous leadership, and I thank the sponsors of this legislation for their hard work.

It is always baffling to me, as I have spoken on the floor of the House and served in this Congress, how colleagues can look a crisis in the face and run head-on as a locomotive, smashing the solution, speaking ill about those who need and are suffering, and that is what we are hearing today.

I am very glad to rise in support of the Mental Health Matters Act, H.R. 7780, and I hope some of my friends on the other side of the aisle will recognize that we are the problem-solvers. We are not the bomb- throwers. We are not supposed to be looking at every solution, and because it comes from somebody of a different party, we want to fight them for it.

I know what happened during the pandemic. I was out in the community doing testing and vaccinations. I talked to parents about online learning, those who didn't have access to broadband, and I knew what it did to the children.

Why? Because children view schools and their daily activities as their work. Adults go to work; children go to school. It builds their confidence, their sense of esteem, their friendships, lifelong friendships. That was all undone because of the pandemic.

Do you know what else we did? We saved lives. If we had continued in- school learning, we would have lost thousands of children and their families.

We must repair what was broken, not because we broke it but because there was a pandemic. So, this legislation provides grants to build a pipeline of school-based mental health service providers, more nurses in the school. It directs the Department of Education to award grants to State agencies to develop more school-based mental health providers. It requires institutions of higher learning to let incoming students with existing documentation have access to disability resources and creates a grant program I am most excited about, increasing student access to treatment of evidence-based trauma. They experienced trauma.

Add to that trauma the families in Uvalde that I visited on Monday who are still crying with the pain of the loss of their children.

It is clearly a bill that we should accept, and it is a bill that I support enthusiastically, Mr. Chair, the Mental Health Matters Act,

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the Mental Health Matters Act requiring certain federal actions to increase access to mental and behavioral health care.

H.R. 7780 creates various grants to support the behavioral needs of students and youth, invest in the school-based behavioral health workforce, and ensure access to mental health and substance use disorder benefits.

This includes increasing the number of mental health professionals serving in high need public schools and increasing students' access to evidence-based trauma support.

For institutions of higher education, they will be required to increase transparency around the accommodations process and allow students with existing documentation of a disability to access disability accommodations.

The capacity of the Department of Labor will be strengthened to ensure that private, employer-sponsored group health plans provide mental health and substance use disorder benefits.

H.R. 7780 will also plan to hold employee-sponsors accountable when they are improperly denied mental health and substance use disorder benefits.

The Coronavirus pandemic and opioid epidemic have only exacerbated our nation's mental health needs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with mental health challenges related to the morbidity and mortality caused by the disease and the impact of stay-at-home orders.

Adults reporting symptoms of anxiety disorder and depressive disorder increased considerably in the United States during April through June of 2020, compared with the same period in 2019.

Children are also not being spared from the mental health impacts from COVID-19.

In a study of about 1,500 teenagers, 7 out of 10 kids reported that they were struggling with their mental health in some way.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline for people in emotional distress registered more than a 1,000 percent increase in April 2020 compared with the same time last year.

These life changing events have left our children, students, workers, and families grappling with traumas caused by factors outside of their control.

Too many Americans make the perilous choice of self-medicating when they feel that they've run out of other options. We cannot protect our Nation's health or help communities recover if we do not strengthen our mental health care system.

Mental illness has long received too little attention from policy makers and public health advocates who too often reflect upon and stress the importance of physical health insurance, taking little note of the importance of mental health coverage.

Therefore, Congress must take the lead in reforming mental health care options as our current system abandoned too many Americans in their time of personal crisis.

As a frequent cosponsor of mental health legislation and Legislator of the Year for the National Mental Health Association, I am proud to support the Mental Health Matters Act.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and sponsors of the bill for their hard work. Let me say, the reason is obvious why I rise in support of H.R. 3843, the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022.

Does anybody know the word ``consumers''? Do I need to spell it out on the floor of the House?

Ultimately, mergers, in many instances, have a detrimental impact on consumers, either by way of cost or loss of services. Read the history books.

Does anybody know that in years past there were opportunities for many, many flights across America? The aviation industry has been changed by mergers. That is a prime example.

This particular legislation updates the filing fees that merging parties may pay to the Federal antitrust enforcers. It requires merging parties to disclose any subsidies from countries or entities that are strategic or economic threats to the United States.

The people of the United States are consumers, Mr. and Mrs. Jones walking and working every day to make ends meet.

As Democrats have done in the Inflation Reduction Act and the reduction in healthcare costs and insulin costs, we are bringing down fees. But there is something about justice that is involved in this, as well.

We strongly support this. And the National Association of Attorneys General and every single State attorney general wrote a letter urging Congress to pass the bill's amendments to the multidistrict litigation statute ``as soon as possible so that our citizens benefit from more efficient, effective, and timely adjudication of antitrust actions.''

Merging fees are to provide the extra resources that are needed, and the administration feels that to vigorously enforce the antitrust laws, the DOJ and the Federal Trade Commission need the resources to do their job.

And, again, who do we represent but the people of the United States?

Who are they? Consumers.

What happens when mergers come?

Lack of services, lack of opportunity, lack of a more fiscally responsible commercial scheme, if you will, so that they can get resources, goods, and services without having enormous expense.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 3843 because this helps consumers, and it brings justice to this system. This is a bill that is long overdue, and I thank those who sponsored it.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8982, which amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to suspend tariffs on the imports of formula base powders that are used to manufacture infant formula in the United States.

The reason why this bill is so important can best be demonstrated by conversations that I had at the height of the baby formula shortage earlier this year.

This past spring, 40 percent of baby formula stock that is normally available nationwide was not available in stores.

Practically the entire country was alarmed at this because so many American families rely on baby formula, and even among those who don't, virtually every American knows some family with a young child.

As the founder and Chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus, the needs of women, families, and children are my consistent priority, and the unavailability of baby formula amounted to a crisis.

To address the shortage, in May, I hosted a baby formula give-a-way event in my TX-18th district of Houston.

At the event, I witnessed first-hand the struggles faced by mothers in need. Constituents came to me with open arms and gratitude for the opportunity to receive baby formula that they couldn't find in stores.

Many families described the stress and anxiety of not being able to properly nourish their infant children since baby formula was nowhere to be found locally or online.

Infants are put at risk of physical and mental impairment without proper nourishment.

The legislation we are voting on today will dramatically increase the availability of formula so that children are no longer at risk of these problems.

By suspending tariffs on base powders for infant formula this bill would enable us to boost the domestic production that is necessary to get infant formula back on our shelves in sufficient quantity nationwide.

The renewed, consistent output and distribution of baby formula would ameliorate the nationwide short supply of these essential products that was amplified by pandemic-related supply chain issues.

In response to these shortages, the Food and Drug Administration exercised selective enforcement of base formula regulations to amend the importation of safe infant formula from other countries.

Earlier this year, Congress passed the Formula Act, which lifted steep tariffs on baby formula until the end of this year.

While this alleviated the immediate shortage and parents began to find baby formula in stores, the Formula Act only suspended tariffs on infant formula itself and not the ingredients necessary to make it,

There are still high tariffs on infant formula base powders, a key foundational component necessary for making baby formula products.

This is an issue that needs to be addressed now because if we do not have the key components that are needed to make infant formula, then the current tariff suspensions we have are of no use in the long run.

It is imperative that we eliminate any obstacles in the way of getting formula back onto the shelves and in the hands of parents everywhere.

Tariffs are set in place to protect our trade but with the health of our country's infants at risk, ensuring that baby formula is easily and consistently available in stores must always remain a priority.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for participating in the Congressional Children's Caucus hearing this past Monday on the Uvalde murder of children.

I rise to join my colleagues in supporting the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2022 and compliment Representative McCollum and others who have strongly supported this legislation over the years.

It is particularly timely because I have just finished meeting with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan and was able to visit in Pakistan in early September after the catastrophic and momentous floods of biblical proportion that went on.

What we saw was the potential of extreme starvation of families and children. Thirty-three million people were displaced. The families in the region had lost their wheat, their cotton, and their livestock.

Madam Speaker, the idea of the emphasis on the issue of food security is so crucial, both in terms of the climate change such that is impacted in Eritrea and Ethiopia, and the issues of catastrophic flood conditions, so I rise to support this with the idea that we have right in our midst conditions that would suggest food insecurity.

This legislation that focuses on ensuring that people of the world can eat, and the children of the world will not starve is a crucial and needed legislation, which I support, and which emphasizes, again, the important element in foreign affairs of food. Food helps save the world.

I support this legislation, and I commend my colleagues to continue to work, with devastating conditions around the world, to ensure the safety and security of children and particularly food security.

Mr. Speaker, I think it should be noted that this bill, H.R. 6448, the Invest to Protect Act of 2022, is bipartisan legislation that would bolster small law enforcement agencies' ability to address staffing shortages and improve community safety through de- escalation training and other resources.

It was Democrats who spent 2 years negotiating and working with law enforcement to introduce and pass the comprehensive George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which recognized the necessity of balancing the needs and safety of community in which law enforcement interests engage. I worked on that.

I worked on that. That is why I tried to make this bill better by adding

three additional purposes for grant funding which include issues dealing with use of lethal force, excessive force, and duty of care.

I am glad that they were added, and grantees who choose these activities will be required to do this under this particular provision.

We can do this together. And let me be very clear: this is not a last-ditch effort by Democrats to distance ourselves from efforts to defund the police.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6448, the ``Invest to Protect Act of 2022,''--bipartisan legislation that would bolster small law enforcement agencies' ability to address staffing shortages and improve community safety through de-escalation training and other resources.

First, let's be clear--This is not a last-ditch effort by Democrats to distance ourselves from efforts to defund the police. Democrats have always been supportive of law enforcement.

We have been accused of spending the last two years bashing the police. Yet, it was Democrats who spent two years negotiating and working with law enforcement to introduce and pass the comprehensive ``George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021''--which recognized the necessity of balancing the needs and safety of the community with law enforcement interests.

H.R. 6448 would establish a grant program within the Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS, program focused on improving recruitment and retention of officers and providing additional training and access to mental health resources for small law enforcement agencies.

When police departments are unable to recruit, retain or provide suitable resources to qualified officers, communities suffer a clear threat to public safety. A June 2021 national survey by the Police Executive Research Forum found that, on average, police departments around the country were filling only 93 percent of their available budgeted positions.

These officer staffing shortages can cause longer wait times for emergency calls, fewer crimes cleared, and more overworked officers, which can threaten both officer health and the quality of life in our communities.

This bill seeks to address these challenges by providing additional federal resources to small agencies--that often have the most trouble accessing federal grant funding--to recruit and retain qualified officers as well as provide additional training and support.

A 2016 study by the Department of Justice (DOJ) found that of the 12,261 local police departments in the country, 11,638 of them had less than 100 full-time sworn officers. That is 11,638 police departments that would be eligible to access much-needed funding as authorized by

Democrats have always been supportive of law enforcement along with our civil rights friends, and we have put in firewalls to insist that we work together with law enforcement and large and small entities and that we work with on behalf of justice for our constituents and for providing wellness to our police officers, providing intervention of violence, and as well to ensure that we assist in cases that are backlogged. Democrats have been at the forefront. I am very glad to say that we don't ask to defund the FBI, we ask to be supportive of our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6448, the ``Invest to Protect Act of 2022,''--bipartisan legislation that would bolster small law enforcement agencies' ability to address staffing shortages and improve community safety through de-escalation training and other resources.

It was Democrats who spent two years negotiating and working with law enforcement to introduce and pass the comprehensive ``George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021''--which recognized the necessity of balancing the needs and safety of the community with law enforcement interests.

That is why I tried to make this bill better by adding three additional purposes for the use of grant funding.

Development and implementation of best practices and training on the use of lethal and nonlethal force;

Development and implementation of best practices and training to eliminate the use of excessive force;

Development and implementation of best practices and training on the duty of care and the duty to intervene.

I am glad those provisions were added where grantees who choose to implement those activities will be given preference.

This bill seeks to address these challenges by providing additional federal resources to small agencies--that often have the most trouble accessing federal grant funding--to recruit and retain qualified officers as well as provide additional training and support.

A 2016 study by the Department of Justice (DOJ) found that of the 12,261 local police departments in the country, 11,638 of them had less than 100 full-time sworn officers. That is 11,638 police departments that would be eligible to access much-needed funding as authorized by

Mr. Speaker, if you could ever be fed up--I am fed up. Fed up, and fed up with the babbling that we are hearing from Republicans on the other side.

You know, the question should be: Where were you on January 6 when law enforcement were bleeding on the steps of the United States Capitol, passing out, and dying? Where were you? This is not a political circumstance. These are people who are standing here because Steve Horsford had a personal experience.

The Judiciary Committee has consistently supported intervention programs dealing with countering violence. This bill, Break the Cycle of Violence Act, is needed in America. Stand up with us, Republicans. A bill that takes a vital step toward reducing community violence and improving public safety by investing in people, their communities, and establish evidence-based programs proven to help reduce violence. Our law enforcement are begging for this.

Mr. Speaker, our Nation has a crisis of violence, particularly gun violence, and it is tearing at our communities.

I have a husband and a baby shot dead, the mother calling: Where is my husband and baby? The baby is found dead.

The cause of gun violence, $280 billion, $700 annually for every American, $488,000 for shootings dealing with medical and criminal expenses.

My brothers and sisters, where are we in standing for America and law enforcement and families and children?

Support H.R. 4118 so that we can divert children away from violence and move toward opportunities. I don't know what you are saying. I am fed up. Do something about it so that we can fight for justice in this country and stand for people who want to be safe in their community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4118, the ``Break the Cycle of Violence Act,'' a bill that takes a vital step towards reducing community violence and improving public safety by investing in people, their communities, and established, evidence-based programs proven to help reduce violence.

Our nation has a crisis of violence, particularly gun violence, that is tearing our communities apart. Violent crime is not a blue or red state problem--it ravages large cities, small towns, and even rural communities. It causes unspeakable pain to its victims and their families--regardless of party affiliation.

The bill would provide $1.5 billion in workforce development grants for youth in communities that are disproportionately impacted by violence; and $5 billion in grants over 8 years for evidence-based, community violence intervention programs likely to succeed--to develop and support:

community outreach programs, staffed by violence intervention specialists with ties to their communities;

hospital-based violence intervention programs to provide intensive counseling, peer support, and social services;

group violence intervention strategies that provide culturally responsive support and services; and

violence interruption and crisis management initiatives that respond to and mediate potentially violent conflicts and provide support services where violence has already occurred.

While the human cost of gun violence is at times overwhelming, the economic costs for communities and taxpayers is also stunning. The total cost of gun violence is $280 billion--every year--with every American bearing $700 of the cost annually as well.

Because a single gun homicide costs taxpayers $448,000 in medical and criminal justice expenses and we know that community violence intervention programs have been shown to dramatically reduce rates of homicide and other gun violence by as much as 50 percent--and sometimes more--this bill will save lives and taxpayer dollars.

Many violence intervention programs work side-by-side with law enforcement to stop violence before it starts and engage in targeted enforcement actions. Trained violence interrupters and crisis management specialists do the same, while also providing trauma- informed grief counseling.

We know these programs work. In communities across the country, from New Jersey to Nebraska, from Massachusetts to Missouri, community violence intervention programs have reduced incidences of homicide and other gun violence by as much as 50 percent, sometimes more.

Recognizing the critical role that education, training, and viable employment play in unlocking economic mobility, long-term stability, thereby preventing violence, H.R. 4118 would divert young people away from the circumstances that foster gun violence toward opportunities to gain useful skills to obtain good jobs that pay a living-wage.

If we are truly going to break the cycle of violence--we must acknowledge that violence is neither red nor blue--support programs that address the root causes of violence, and give aid to those who need it most--through the community members and leaders who know them best.

I commend Representative Steven Horsford for his work on this important bill and urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, this is a victims' act. So many of us have worked with our law enforcement and victims.

The VICTIM Act would provide $100 million annually in grant funding to law enforcement agencies and prosecuting officers to bolster their ability to investigate and clear cases of homicide, rape, sexual assault, kidnapping, and nonfatal shootings. All have family members that are left wondering and in pain. This VICTIM Act, as someone who has always worked with victims, ensures that they are not left empty.

Homicide clearance rates, in particular, have dropped consistently since the 1960s, leaving many unsolved cases and many victims and their families still searching. I want my colleagues to have a heart. They are still searching for justice.

This legislation by Congresswoman Demings addresses the challenges our law enforcement agencies are facing in solving homicides and other violent crimes in red States and blue States. This critical funding would help agencies improve their clearance rates through various means. It helps retain detectives. It helps in training personnel.

It provides for low clearance rates, which disproportionately affect victims and families of victims of marginalized communities. Not only do they prevent victims from accessing justice, but they also damage the public's trust.

I have given money to help victims, and victims say: ``Do you know what? We are left alone,'' the victims or families. ``We are left alone to address this disparity.''

This bill will help not leave them alone, keep pressure on finding that culprit, that individual who violated them, that criminal who has violated them, and also by providing agencies with additional resources.

This $100 million is to help victims. Is there anybody on the floor that wants to join in a bipartisan manner to help victims or to work with law enforcement who are on the job, who are saying: We need help because victims need help, and we certainly need to solve the crimes for these families who are longing to understand about their loved ones who have been raped, assaulted, and those who have lost their lives.

I remind my colleagues of the father and baby in my community who were found dead. They need help.

Support the VICTIM Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5768, Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Act of 2022'' or the ``VICTIM Act,'' that would provide $100 million annually in grant funding to law enforcement agencies and prosecuting offices to bolster their ability to investigate and clear cases of homicide, rape, sexual assault, kidnapping, and non-fatal shootings.

As someone who has always supported law enforcement, let me state plainly--this bill is about funding law enforcement agencies--not defunding them.

Homicide clearance rates, in particular, have dropped consistently since the 1960's leaving many unsolved cases and many victims and their families still searching for justice. In 2020, the clearance rate for homicides fell to roughly 50 percent while pressure on law enforcement officials increased--leading to calls for more funding for overburdened departments with sizable caseloads and depleted resources.

To address the challenges our law enforcement agencies are facing in solving homicides and other violent crime--in red states and blue states--this critical funding would help agencies improve their clearance rates through various means, including:

ensuring retention of detectives assigned to violent crimes;

hiring and training additional detectives and investigators dedicated specifically to investigating homicides and other violent crimes;

hiring and training personnel for collecting, processing, and testing forensic evidence; and

hiring and training personnel to analyze violent crime trends.

Low clearance rates--which disproportionately affect victims and families of victims of marginalized communities--not only prevent victims from accessing justice, but they also damage the public's trust in law enforcement.

To address this disparity, funding in the bill could be used to train personnel to address the needs of victims and family members and develop competitive and evidence-based programs and practices to improve both clearance rates and victim services--thereby rebuilding public confidence and improving community safety.

The bill would also ensure victim services programs are funded, staffed, and trained, and that they provide restorative support to victims and their families.

Investing in personnel as well as the technology needed to solve cases of homicide and other violent crime, also helps build public confidence and improve community safety.

That is why H.R. 5768's funding can be used to acquire, upgrade, or replace investigative or evidence processing technology or equipment.

By providing agencies with additional resources--drawing from an authorized amount of $100 million dollars--the VICTIM Act would equip agencies to better respond to and investigate serious crimes-- delivering justice to victims and making our communities safer.

I commend Representative Val Demings for championing this thoughtful, bipartisan legislation and urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter dated November 1, 2021, from the Major Cities Chiefs Association and an article from Third Way titled ``The Red City Defund Police Problem.''

Major Cities Chiefs Association,

November 1, 2021.

Hon. Val Demings,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Rep. Demings: I write on behalf of the Major Cities

Chiefs Association (MCCA) to register our strong support for

H.R. 5768, the VICTIM Act. The MCCA is a professional

organization of police executives representing the largest

cities in the United States and Canada.

Nearly every major city in the United States is contending

with a rise in violent crime. According to the MCCA's most

recent Violent Crime Survey, comparing midyear 2020 with

midyear 2021, homicides are up roughly 20 percent in major

cities. In addition, most MCCA members have reported

significant increases in gun violence, evidenced by the

uptick in aggravated assaults.

The grants authorized in the VICTIM Act will help law

enforcement agencies overcome some of the challenges

associated with responding to the current increase in violent

crime. More specifically, this bill will provide law

enforcement with critical resources to address staffing

challenges, enhance their forensics capabilities, further

deploy investigative technologies, and provide services to

victims of violent crime and their families.

Thank you for your continued leadership and support for our

brave law enforcement officers. The MCCA stands ready to help

advance this legislation.

Sincerely,

Jeri Williams,

Chief, Phoenix Police Department,

President, Major Cities Chiefs Association.

Mr. Speaker, as we stand here today, there are women approaching doctors and nurses with a medical condition. Through no fault of their own, they need OB/GYN services.

In the State of Texas, with horrific and antiquated and really vicious legislation, the doctors and nurses and medical professionals are made criminals.

I have introduced H.R. 8838, the SHIELD Act, to protect doctors and nurses and medical personnel from frivolous and dangerous litigation so the medical industry can do their job. They can do a procedure that a woman may need. They can help if a woman is in the midst of aborting because of the issue of health. They can help women who, to save their life, have to have a medical procedure if they are pregnant.

They can do their job and the oath they have taken.

I am sad to stand on the floor today in 2022 to note we live in a Nation that would condemn the healers of our land, the ones who helped us in the pandemic.

Support H.R. 8838. Sign on, cosponsor it, and let's protect the medical professionals.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the Presidential Election Reform Act which is long overdue.

As I stand in the well, I can still see the images of January 6, 2021. I can hear the gunfire. I can hear and see the directions of our very able Capitol Police to tell Members to hit the ground. I can see the banging on the doors.

Thank goodness this act will reform the electoral count to ensure that Congress counts the votes as required by the Constitution, including by ensuring that Congress receive a single accurate electoral count certificate from each State--no phony electors as evidenced by President Trump's attempt to bring down this Nation.

Requiring that the States select electors to accomplish this in accordance with State law existing as of the last election, it will reaffirm that the Vice President's role at the count is ministerial, raise the objection threshold to one-third instead of one person, one Member, and limit the explicit constitutional grounds upon which Members may object to a State electoral vote. They will list the explicit constitutional grounds. There will be order to the process.

This is a democracy admired around the world. We must defend this democracy, and we are defending it by voting today on the Presidential Election Reform Act. This is what we should do, the Presidential Election Reform Act.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Scott, for continuing to find ways to collaborate with his members and others to ensure that we respond to the crux of opportunity in America, and that is education.

I am so grateful to be able to stand and support S. 1098 and to take this brief moment to thank my fellow alum, David Price, for being persistent in this legislation and serving the American people over the years that he has done. I had a chance to get a second bite of the apple. David was here and then came back. I have enjoyed every moment of his commitment to opportunities for Americans over the years, including housing and transportation and homeland security, and I certainly want to say to him that the American people are better for his service to this Nation. I thank him so very much.

I am grateful to finally be able to say, Chairman Scott, to a constituent who I saw over the weekend that called the number of the bill--most times, constituents don't know bill numbers. They said: ``I need you to support S. 1098.'' Obviously, this is something so many of us have been looking to because we have heard this from our constituents.

I am very grateful that this legislation now allows a married couple who has previously consolidated their Federal student loans, because we were allowed to do that--many people thought that was a good thing to do, to submit a joint application to the Department of Education to sever their loan, allowing each former spouse their proportional responsibility. Each former spouse would still be obligated for a share of the loan, but their share of responsibility would be benchmarked to the proportion of the debt that they brought into the consolidated loan. Without loan severance, if a spouse refused to pay their share, the other spouse remains responsible for full payment.

This is important legislation as it relates to divorce and domestic violence or economic abuse. Bearing the risk of the full responsibility for a consolidated loan after divorce can dramatically restrain a spouse from moving on with their life, from supporting their children, from getting a house, from feeling safe.

The Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act also addresses the especially volatile situation of former relationships in which an individual was subjected to domestic or, as I said, economic abuse.

As a sponsor of the Violence Against Women Act that became law in March of last year, I am especially concerned about women who have experienced physical, mental, sexual, emotional, even psychological abuse at the hands of a spouse or partner. S. 1098 allows them to separate from toxic relationships, get away from the economic abuse, and retain or maintain their credit so that they can go forward. This can also apply to a male who may be suffering from the same situation.

Two married borrowers of Federal student loans could combine their debt into a single loan, but we can also come back now to ensure that they can separate it. This is an important step forward.

Mr. Speaker, we enthusiastically add this to the component of making sure, under the Violence Against Women Act, that there is an expanded understanding of what happens when one spouse abuses another or the idea of economic abuse.

Just as an example, when one spouse is not being timely, is not being responsive, for whatever reason is not able to be found, then the credit of the remaining spouse being dutiful is completely, if I might use the term, mutilated.

I am eager to ensure that this bill is passed. I certainly acknowledge the Senator from the State of Texas, Senator Cornyn. We have worked together on other matters.

I will let everybody know this bill is bipartisan, and I will let everyone know that what we will be doing is ensuring that people can restore their lives. They can stand up again and be able to pay their debt.

As I finish, I am stunned by people who don't want to see us move forward for people to pay their debt. They can pay their debt. Let us all support S. 1098.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1098, the Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act allowing a jointly-held loan debt to be separated.

This legislation would allow a married couple, who had previously consolidation their federal student loan debts, to submit a joint application to the Department of Education to sever their loan, allotting to each former spouse their proportional responsibility.

While each former spouse would still be obligated for a share of the loan, their share of responsibility would be benchmarked to the proportion of debt that they brought into the consolidated loan. Without loan severance, if a spouse refuses to pay their share of the loan, the other spouse remains responsible for full payment.

This is very important legislation because it is a key to independence following a divorce. Without being able to sever their loan obligation after divorce, people are forced to continue interacting with their former spouse.

Bearing the risk of full responsibility for a consolidated loan after divorce can dramatically restrain a spouse from moving on with their life, both financially and emotionally, as they are forced to maintain communication with someone from whom they no longer want to be closely associated.

The Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act also addresses the especially volatile situation of former relationships in which an individual was subjected to domestic or economic abuse from the other individual.

As the sponsor of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act that became law in March of this year, I am especially concerned about women who have experienced physical, mental, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse at the hands of a spouse or partner.

Thus, it is especially important that S. 1098 make it easy for women who have suffered from abuse to sever their loans, to help them sever their toxic relationships.

Indeed, S. 1098 allows one borrower to submit a separate application in the event that the individual has experienced domestic or economic abuse from the other individual borrower or is unable to reasonably access the loan information of the other borrower.

In the case of this occurring, the other non-applying individual borrower shall become solely liable for the remaining balance of the joint consolidation loan.

Joint consolidation loans were first created for the good of Americans to combat growing default rates.

Two married borrowers of federal student loans could combine their debt into a single loan.

While the legislation was intended to proactively accommodate these life situations, joint consolidation forms came with no guidance from the Department of Education for cases of domestic or economic abuse.

A divorce decree could not remove one spouse from the debt, nor could have any other agreement as both people were now legally responsible for the combined debt.

If an ex-spouse refused to pay their share of the monthly payment, the other spouse would have to make the entire payment themselves.

If a former couple wanted to make their student loan payments under a payment plan, both spouses would need to pay the loan under the same plan and provide their financial information.

If one of them failed to do so, they would both be denied access to the payment plan.

Because of all these loopholes, Congress eliminated access to joint consolidation loan applications in 2006.

However, it did not provide a way to separate responsibility for existing loans, even in cases of domestic violence, economic abuse, or an unresponsive partner.

With the Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act, we can now provide a way out for those facing domestic violence or economic abuse, as victims in this position face challenges beyond their own control.

As reported by the CDC, about 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, between 94 and 99 percent of domestic violence survivors have also experienced economic abuse, which includes coerced debt and withholding access to money.

There are currently 776 borrowers with spousal consolidation loans, according to the Student Borrower Protection Center.

It is our responsibility to do right for these borrowers who fell victim to the consequences of previous legislation.

As the sponsor of H.R. 1620, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act, I proudly support S. 1098's efforts to provide options for victims of violence, especially for women who are at a significantly higher risk.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7566) to amend title 18, United States Code, to increase the punishment for human trafficking in a school zone, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 7566, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, this bill was introduced as an important response to stopping human trafficking and sex trafficking at schools. In fact, its name was Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones. I introduced that bill to stop human trafficking in school zones.

I am glad to be here on the floor of the House to continue this journey in protecting our children. I want to start with the words from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, one of the major supporters of this legislation:

Child sex trafficking is one of the most despicable crimes an individual can commit. Sadly, there are far too many children victimized by this scourge. For example, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received more than 17,200 reports of possible child sex trafficking in 2021.

It is especially troubling that these crimes sometimes occur at schools which should be a safe haven for America's children.

Besides gun violence, human trafficking, sex trafficking is a scourge that takes and destroys the lives of our children.

H.R. 7566 will play an important part in addressing child sex trafficking by establishing additional penalties for offenders who commit these offenses in a school zone or within 1,000 feet of a school-sponsored activity.

We want to be heard on stopping human trafficking and sex trafficking at our schools. And so the No Trafficking Zones Act, which was formerly the Stop Human Trafficking in Schools Act, would ensure that schools across the country, including institutions of higher learning, are safe spaces for learning and academic exploration, free from the menace of sex trafficking.

H.R. 7566 would establish a sentencing enhancement of up to 5 years in several instances: First, in the case of any person who commits the offense of sex trafficking within a primary or secondary school zone or on or within 1,000 feet of the premises of a school-sponsored activity, or premises owned by an institution of higher learning.

Second, for any person who commits the offense of coercion and enticement of a minor enrolled in a primary or a secondary school, or a person enrolled in an institution of higher learning, to travel in interstate or foreign commerce and engage in criminal sexual activity while the minor is in a school zone, or on or within 1,000 feet of premises where a school-sponsored activity is taking place, or while the person is on or within 1,000 feet of the premises owned by the institution of higher education.

And third, for any person who commits the offense of coercion and enticement of a minor using the mail or facilities of interstate or foreign commerce, such as the text and instant messaging or social media platforms which have been used extensively, while the minor who is enrolled in school or an institution of higher education, is in a school zone, or on or within 1,000 feet of premises where a school- sponsored activity is taking place, or premises owned by the institution of higher education.

Human trafficking is one of the greatest threats to human rights in the United States. It destroys a human being's life, and it destroys, forever, a child's life.

In 2020, 11,193 instances of potential human trafficking were reported to the United States National Human Trafficking Hotline, with at least 70 percent of those instances involving sex trafficking, while an estimated 25 percent of all human trafficking victims in this country are in my home State of Texas at any given time, many of whom are minors.

Mr. Speaker, I gave and held the first human trafficking hearing, field hearing from Houston, Texas, with my cosponsor of this legislation, the honorable Mike McCaul. I express my appreciation for his collaboration on this legislation, his enthusiastic collaboration, as he did join me when we held the first hearing on human trafficking in Houston, through the Homeland Security Committee.

What I would say is that Houston had been the epicenter of human trafficking. It was a powerful hearing, and I am glad that we have joined together now to stop human trafficking at schools.

Let me also offer my sympathy to him and his family for their loss.

At least 5,359 trafficking victims and survivors identified through the hotline in 2019 were under the age of 18. And in 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received more than 17,200 reports of suspected child sex trafficking. Many of these young victims of sex trafficking are students in school systems, colleges, trade schools, and universities across the country.

A 2018 survey reported that in Texas, where no trafficking zone legislation passed with bipartisan support earlier this year, 55 percent of young sex trafficking survivors were trafficked while at school or school activities, and 60 percent of trafficked adults said they were first groomed and solicited for trafficking while on school campuses.

That has been a hotbed of opportunity for the scourge of sex traffickers who want to prey upon our innocent children. I am grateful that the legislation in Texas generated out of an effort chaired by Bishop James Dixon, chair of the Houston Sports Authority at the NRG Arena, and began to develop a policy where there would be no trafficking zones around major stadiums and events.

Members of this body know all too well that children are sexually exploited in many ways. Some young people are trafficked by their schoolmates or people they once considered friends. And while the traffickers seek out young people who have noticeable vulnerabilities, including problems at school, conflicts at home, or even the need to fill in a tuition gap caused by the loss of a scholarship, no child or young person is truly safe from the schemes of charismatic traffickers bent on exploiting and destroying young lives.

With the proliferation of social media and the myriad ways in which we communicate with one another, traffickers have put these same means of communication to their own use to find, target, lure, groom, victimize, and exert control over their victims while buyers are using technology to find and purchase sex anonymously.

Traffickers have infiltrated every known form of communication, especially the sites, messaging apps, and social media platforms our children use most frequently, leaving young children more vulnerable to manipulation. Access to the internet, cell phones, and smartphones make it easier, Mr. Speaker, for traffickers and buyers to communicate with children and youth.

Even when they are at school, in class, or attending school-sponsored activities, there are no barriers, no walls, no brick walls, cement walls, steel walls, that can keep a trafficker from getting a precious child.

As a result, trafficking has reached the halls, lunchrooms, gyms, dormitories, and classrooms of schools, colleges, and universities in every corner of the United States of America.

These staggering facts and statistics led me to introduce this bipartisan legislation, the No Trafficking Zones Act, along with Chairman Nadler and Representative McCaul, who I wish to thank for working with me, as I have said previously, as well as Representative Johnson of Louisiana for his amendment that included the protection for young people at institutions of higher education.

We came together in a bipartisan manner to exert the influence necessary to protect America's children collectively. I, again, thank Chairman Nadler, Representative McCaul of Texas, and Representative Johnson of Louisiana. I am delighted to work with them.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the issue of stopping human trafficking in school zones is such a crucial issue that I would hope that the focus of our debate today would be on saving the lives of children.

I will just simply make the point, being on the Committee on Homeland Security and chairing the Judiciary subcommittee that deals with Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, that we all can work together for comprehensive immigration reform.

Here we are today, specifically focused and pointed on ensuring that there are no trafficking zones in our country and specifically around our school zones where children cannot be harmed.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record letters from the Major Cities Chiefs Association; Texas State Representative Ron Reynolds; NAACP, Bishop James Dixon, Branch President; Break the Cycle U.S.A., Valerie Winborne, mother of trafficking victim; and Courtney Litvak, surviving--a summary of her experience where she was trafficked.

Major Cities

Chiefs Association,

July 13, 2022.

Hon. Shelia Jackson Lee,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Hon. Michael McCaul,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Hon. Jerrold Nadler,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Rep. Jackson Lee, Rep. Nadler, and Rep. McCaul: I

write on behalf of the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA)

to register our support for H.R. 7566, the Stop Human

Trafficking in School Zones Act. The MCCA is a professional

organization of police executives representing the largest

cities in the United States and Canada.

Child sex trafficking is one of the most despicable crimes

an individual can commit. Sadly, there are far too many

children victimized by this scourge. For example, the

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received

more than 17,200 reports of possible child sex trafficking in

2021. It's especially troubling that these crimes sometimes

occur at schools, which should be a safe haven for America's

children. H.R. 7566 will play an important part in addressing

child sex trafficking by establishing additional penalties

for offenders who commit these offenses in a school zone or

within 1,000 feet of a school-sponsored activity. These

enhanced penalties will help establish a strong deterrent and

ensure those who commit these heinous acts are held

accountable.

Thank you for your leadership and ongoing commitment to

protecting America's children. Please do not hesitate to

contact me if the MCCA can be of further assistance.

Sincerely.

Jeri Williams,

Chief, Phoenix Police Department,

President, Major Cities Chiefs Association.

Mr. Speaker, I would just simply like to suggest that we can find trafficking in many other places.

I also include in the Record the article: ``Epstein's `ground zero': How the financier reportedly wreaked havoc on Royal Palm Beach High School community.''

[From Business Insider, July 27, 2019]

Epstein's `Ground Zero': How the Financier Reportedly Wreaked Havoc on

the Royal Palm Beach High School Community

(By Kat Tenbarge)

Former Royal Palm Beach High School Assistant Principal

Carolyn Brown told The Palm Beach Post it was an ``open

secret'' that female students were involved in something

suspicious that involved hundreds of dollars in cash and

resulted in girls being bullied for being ``prostitutes'' and

``sugar babies.''

What administers didn't know, or at least didn't act upon,

was that at least 15 underage girls enrolled at the high

school were sexually assaulted by financier and now convicted

sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to police reports

obtained by The Palm Beach Post.

Like dozens of other accusations against the shadowy

financier, who is currently being held without bail on

charges of sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy in the

southern district of New York, Epstein's Royal Palm Beach

High accusers say he paid them to give him massages, during

which he would coerce them into sex acts.

Epstein was well aware that his victims would have been

high schoolers, since The Post reported that a Royal Palm

Beach High transcript was found in 2005 in his bedroom desk

drawer at his $12 million Palm Beach estate, next to a

massage table and an armoire filled with sex toys.

One Royal Palm Beach High accuser told police she was 16-

years-old when Epstein asked her to give him a massage while

she was topless. She said she told him she was in high

school. He asked what her favorite sex position was.

Another 16-year-old told police Epstein said he would help

her get into her dream college, New York University, after

reviewing her SAT scores and high school transcript.

Epstein also wrote a note on his own Jeffrey E. Epstein-

branded stationary, Palm Beach police officers found, which

instructed an employee to deliver a dozen roses to an

underage girl who performed in a Royal Palm Beach High play.

Police found the note in Epstein's garbage in 2005.

These findings were some of the evidence brought forward

before Epstein signed a plea deal in 2008 that allowed him to

avoid federal prosecution and serve 13 months of an 18-month

prison sentence, during which he could work from a high-rise

in Palm Beach 12 hours a day, 6 days a week.

Now, Epstein is pleading not guilty to sex trafficking

charges that accuse the elite financier of assaulting upward

of 80 women, many who were underage at the time of the

assault, including some as young as 14. The Palm Beach Post

reports that Epstein recruited girls from several Palm Beach,

Florida high schools, but that Royal Palm Beach High was his

``ground zero.''

The Post reports that girls who were part of Epstein's

underage sexual assault scheme were bullied for being

``prostitutes'' and ``sugar babies,'' which administrators

took notice of when they found $300 in a girl's purse after

she was caught fighting with another female student.

Attorney Adam Horowitz, who has represented some of

Epstein's accusers in eight civil lawsuits, was quoted as

describing the girls who were allegedly targeted as

vulnerable, with some ``living in trailer parks,'' in The

Post.

Epstein asked girls to bring their friends, The Post

reported, paying girls up to $200 for recruiting new victims.

``The younger the better,'' he instructed them, according to

one accuser who was first approached by an adult who worked

for Epstein in 2003 at a resort in Riviera Beach.

That accuser went into her senior year at Royal Palm Beach

High with Epstein's goal in mind, with The Post reporting she

recruited at least eight other underage girls who then

recruited their own friends, including some girls who were on

the verge of homelessness and needed money, badly.

``Knowing what we know now, it's so sad what happened to

those girls,'' Brown, the former assistant principal, told

The Post.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record an article: `` `Open secret' at Royal Palm High School: At least 15 students were lured to Jeffrey Epstein's Palm Beach mansion'' right out of the school.

Open Secret at Royal Palm High: At Least 15 Students Were Lured to

Jeffrey Epstein's Palm Beach Mansion

(By Lulu Ramadan)

Tucked in the drawer of Jeffrey Epstein's bedroom desk,

near a massage table and a wooden armoire filled with sex

toys, was a teenage girl's Royal Palm Beach High School

transcript.

She was 16 years old when Epstein lured her to his Palm

Beach home set at the end of a dead-end street behind a wall

of hedges.

And she's one of at least 15 girls from Royal Palm Beach

High School who Epstein sexually exploited in that bedroom 15

years ago, police reports reveal.

Epstein, a multimillionaire financier then in his 50s,

lured a procession of girls as young as 14 to his home to

perform nude massages for money, police and court records

say. The massages often ended with Epstein groping or

sexually assaulting the girls.

Epstein's victims attended several Palm Beach County

schools, including Lake Worth Middle and Palm Beach Gardens

High.

But Royal Palm Beach High, with about 3,000 students, many

from the county's rural reaches, was ground zero.

Evidence suggests Epstein knew his victims were school

girls and the signs didn't escape Royal Palm Beach High

administrators. The girls endured teasing and classmates

called them ``prostitutes.'' After two girls fought, an

administrator found one of them had $300 in her purse.

Aside from the student transcript found in Epstein's desk

in 2005, police collected more evidence and witness

statements that suggest Epstein knew his victims were still

school children:

He scrawled a note on Jeffrey E. Epstein-branded stationery

instructing one of his employees to deliver a dozen roses to

a girl who performed in a Royal Palm Beach High play. Police

found the note in his trash.

One 16-year-old girl described to detectives giving Epstein

a massage while she was topless. He asked her about herself

and she told him she was a student at Royal Palm High. He

then asked her which was her favorite sexual position, she

told police.

Another girl, who met Epstein at age 16, said Epstein

reviewed her college applications and SAT scores and promised

to help her get into her dream school, New York University.

Though Palm Beach detectives uncovered these details in

2005, the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office and U.S.

Attorney's Office in Miami, then headed by Alexander Acosta,

cut Epstein a plea deal that landed him in jail for 13 months

on two charges of soliciting prostitution.

This month, a decade after his release from a Palm Beach

County jail, federal agents in New York arrested Epstein, 66,

on charges of sex trafficking minors. The move came eight

months after a Miami Herald investigation zeroed in on

Acosta's role in Epstein's plea deal and let victims tell

their stories publicly for the first time.

Epstein preyed on dozens of girls, at least 32 identified

at the time by police but about 80 identified in 2018 by the

Herald.

``These girls had never even been to Palm Beach island,''

said Adam Horowitz, an attorney who represented Epstein

victims in eight civil lawsuits filed against the

multimillionaire.

``Some of them were living in trailer parks. This was a

whole new world to them.''

For Epstein: `The younger the better'

Some of the girls told Epstein they were uncomfortable with

being touched during massages, so he asked them to bring

friends instead, police reports and court records reveal.

He paid girls about the same amount, around $200, to

recruit a friend as he paid the girls who stripped down and

performed massages, court records show.

Royal Palm Beach High was a target by coincidence.

``One of Epstein's recruiters managed to infiltrate that

circle,'' Horowitz said.

The ``recruiter'' approached a 17-year-old Royal Palm Beach

High School student in 2003 at a resort in Riviera Beach with

an offer to make $200 for an hour to give a massage, she told

police two years later.

The teen went to Epstein's seven-bedroom home on the

Intracoastal Waterway, where an assistant led her up a

staircase lined with pictures of naked young girls and into

Epstein's bedroom, police say.

In keeping with descriptions to police from many Epstein

victims, the teen found Epstein wearing only a towel, which

he later removed, before lying on a massage table.

Epstein tried to grope her, but she resisted. She told him

she didn't want to be touched, she told detectives.

So Epstein asked her to bring friends to his home for cash

instead. ``The younger the better,'' Epstein said, according

to her police statement.

Going into her senior year at Royal Palm Beach High, the

girl became a conduit to the school, recruiting at least

eight other girls she'd met on campus, court depositions and

police testimonies reveal.

And those girls recruited more girls.

Name-calling and a fight

One Royal Palm Beach High student told detectives in 2005

that she targeted promiscuous teens on campus. Another said

she brought a friend on the verge of homelessness and

strapped for cash.

School administrators knew something unusual was happening,

police reports show.

Students teased the Epstein clique as ``prostitutes'' or

``sugar babies,'' a term for young women who seek

relationships with wealthy, older men, The Post learned from

court depositions and former students.

The tension came to the administration's attention in

February 2005, when a 14-year-old freshman, the first of

Epstein's victims to speak to police, got into a fight on

campus with a girl who called her a ``prostitute,'' police

said.

But the school kept no disciplinary record of the fight and

didn't report anything, police learned in 2005.

At the time, it appeared the girls were making money doing

something nefarious, one former administrator, then-Assistant

Principal Carolyn Brown, said in a brief interview this

month.

It was an ``open secret,'' Brown said, stopping short of

saying whether school administrators knew the girls were paid

for sexual favors.

Brown was subpoenaed to testify in the 2005 criminal case

against Epstein after she found $300 in the 14-year-old's

purse on campus shortly after the fight, court records

reveal.

Administrators considered and then dismissed the idea that

it might be drug money, detectives wrote in a 2005 report.

Brown, who is retired, never spoke to prosecutors. Soon

after her subpoena, federal prosecutors struck Epstein's plea

deal calling for 18 months in county jail, registration as a

sex offender and payments to victims.

It wasn't clear if the principal at the time, Sheila Henry,

knew that more than a dozen students were involved with

Epstein. Henry wasn't mentioned in police reports and could

not be reached for comment.

But two former students reached by The Post, who asked to

stay anonymous, said students gossiped that some girls had

rich, older boyfriends who bought them expensive gifts. Six

other students didn't recall any such talk.

None of the girls knew then what the public knows now: That

a Palm Beach millionaire tapped a local high school to prey

on girls for his sexual gratification.

``Knowing what we know now,'' said Brown, the former

assistant principal, ``it's so sad what happened to those

girls.''

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the article: ``Police: Children recruiting other kids for human trafficking at schools.'' This was in Florida.

[From WKMG ClickOrlando.com, Nov. 1, 2018]

Police: Children Recruiting Other Kids for Human Trafficking at Schools

Florida ranks 3rd in the nation for calls to human trafficking hotline

(By Erik von Ancken)

Orlando, FL.--Human trafficking is real and it is happening

in Central Florida.

Crystal Blanton, co-chair of the Marion County Human

Trafficking Task Force, said she receives thousands of

reports from the National Human Trafficking Hotline every

year.

``Usually the reports are in the thousands, every year,''

Blanton said. ``Thousands of people are being human

trafficked. Right here in Marion County and across the state

of Florida.''

Blanton said it's not like the movies (``Taken'' 2008),

where young girls are taken during their summer vacations by

foreign human traffickers to be sold to sultans or sheiks.

But local children, often as young as 12, are being

recruited into a life of forced prostitution.

``I just think it's the internet, I hate to say it,''

Blanton said. ``Social media has grown the field of human

trafficking. It's easier for these traffickers to make

contact with victims.''

Blanton said traffickers look for vulnerable teenagers

online--runaways, teenagers complaining about their lives and

their parents, young people with drug addictions--and

befriend them.

But human trafficking isn't confined to any race or class,

according to Blanton.

Some victims were on the honor roll headed to college.

``We've had doctors' children who have been intertwined,''

Blanton said.

Blanton also said human traffickers align with students and

use them and their schools as recruiting grounds.

``There are recruiters, juvenile recruiters in the schools,

working with a pimp of some kind, and they are sent out in

the schools and given a job to bring other minors on board,''

Blanton said.

Blanton said the task force has had success educating

Marion County elementary, middle and high school principals

in looking for signs of human trafficking and placing Human

Trafficking Hotline posters in schools.

Mike Lanfersiek, a sergeant at the Human Trafficking Squad

at Orlando's Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI), said

the definition of human trafficking is forcing a person to

have sex or to work through force, fraud or coercion.

``Human trafficking is quite simply the exploitation of

another person for commercial sex or forced labor,''

Lanfersiek said.

Lanfersiek said once victims, female or male, enter into

the life of human trafficking, they are kept there by their

captor, taking advantage of their vulnerability.

``A vulnerability to substance abuse, the fear of physical

beating, or withholding passports or documents, things like

that,'' Lanfersiek.

Lanfersiek's Human Trafficking Squad has rescued hundreds

of young women and children, often from hotels in the tourist

district of Orange and Osceola Counties.

``Anywhere where the trafficker thinks there might be

demand for commercial sex,'' Lanfersiek said.

Traffickers often set up their prostitution operation at

hotels because they cater to visitors in town for business or

pleasure who are looking for sex, according to Lanfersiek.

Lanfersiek said he just rescued a 15-year-old girl from a

hotel on International Drive.

``She had met someone on the `Plenty of Fish' website and

felt this person was her boyfriend, exploiting her

vulnerabilities, pimping her out,'' Lanfersiek said.

In July, MBI agents arrested three men for luring a teenage

girl through a social media app to an International Drive

hotel and then prostituting her and having sex with her.

In 2016, Orlando police charged two men with the death of a

14-year-old girl who they'd been allegedly prostituting,

driving her to men's homes to have sex.

Lanfersiek said MBI regularly sets up undercover sting

operations to catch traffickers and rescue victims.

MBI analysts spend their days online, searching through

postings by human traffickers looking for victims and

offering them for prostitution.

Lanfersiek offered this warning: If you're coming to

Central Florida looking for a date for sex, you may get a

date with an undercover officer.

Mr. Speaker, my good friend has spoken about the southern border. I include in the Record the article: ``Recruitment and Entrapment Pathways of Minors into Sex Trafficking in Canada and the United States: A Systematic Review.'' Northern border, by the way, that I would offer to say.

[From Trauma, Violence, & Abuse]

Recruitment and Entrapment Pathways of Minors Into Sex Trafficking in

Canada and the United States: A Systematic Review

(By Kyla Baird and Jennifer Connolly)

Abstract--the domestic sex trafficking of minors is

occurring across Canada and the United States. Understanding

the routes into sex trafficking, including the way

traffickers target, recruit and enmesh youth in the sex trade

is invaluable information for service providers and law

makers developing prevention and intervention initiatives.

This review synthesized research on the exploitation

processes and tactics employed by traffickers in the sex

trafficking of domestic minors in Canada and the US. The

authors comprehensively and systematically

searched five electronic databases and obtained additional

publications and grey literature through a backward search of

the references cited in articles reviewed for inclusion.

Inclusionary criteria included: Studies published in the

English language between January 1990 and June 2020

containing original research with quantitative or qualitative

data on the recruitment or pathways into sex trafficking for

minors trafficked within the US and Canada. The search

yielded 23 eligible studies. The synthesis of the studies in

the review converged on the notion of sexual exploitation

occurring on a continuum comprising of three components; the

recruitment context, entrapment strategies utilized by

traffickers, and enmeshment tactics used to prolong

exploitation. Findings highlight the significant physical,

psychological and emotional hurdles faced by youth victims of

sex trafficking and point to the importance of comprehensive

and holistic approaches to prevention and intervention

practices.

Human trafficking is a global problem that has garnered

significant international and national attention over the

past 2 decades. In 2000, 140 countries signed onto the

Palermo protocol agreeing that human trafficking is a

significant human rights violation and a criminal offense

that requires prevention, the protection of vulnerable

populations, and the prosecution of violators of the

protocol. In North America, both Canada and the United States

signed this protocol and have since passed legislation and

policies to combat human trafficking. Sex trafficking became

criminalized in Canada in 2005 when human trafficking entered

the criminal code under section 279.01 and in the United

States in 2000 with the passing of the Trafficking Victims

Protection Act (TVPA). Sex trafficking is one of the most

common forms of human trafficking consisting of the

recruitment and exploitation of an individual through the use

of threats, force, coercion, deception, or abuse of power for

the purpose of a commercial sex act (United Nations Office on

Drugs and Crime, 2014). A commercial sex act, as defined by

the American TVPA (2000), is ``any sexual act for which

something of value is given or received.'' Common examples

include prostitution, pornography, sexual massage parlors,

and strip clubs. Commercial sex acts may be exchanged for

money, drugs, shelter, clothing, or food (Cole & Anderson,

2013; Kotrla, 2010). Sex trafficking is rampant across the

United States and Canada (Clawson et al., 2009; Dalley,

2010). Despite various political and social differences

between these countries, they are united on the front of

combating sex trafficking within their borders and expanding

research to support effective evidence-based prevention and

intervention strategies.

Sex Trafficking of Minors (STM)

Minors (under the age of 18) are overrepresented among

victims of sex trafficking, with the majority of victims

recruited between 12 and 14 years of age (Jordan et al.,

2013; Smith et al., 2009). Given the elevated risk for

minors, research and legislation have begun to focus on the

specific issue of the STM. Consequently, our understanding of

the risks for recruitment, experiences, and needs of underage

victims is growing, and important policy actions have been

taken. In the past decade, both Canada and the United

States have passed legislation, reformed laws, and enacted

policies to combat issues of the STM. Legislative changes

in both Canada and the United States have transformed the

way victims are viewed and treated by law enforcement.

More specifically, American and Canadian federal consent

laws declared minors under the age of 18 unable to consent

to commercial sex and have shifted the lens of law

enforcement from criminalizing youth in the sex trade to

viewing them as victims (Adelson, 2008; Franchino-Olsen,

2019). Language in research on STM has followed suit,

shifting from calling underage victims of sex trafficking

``teen prostitutes'' to ``victims of STM.''

On the basis of age, youth from all sectors of society are

at risk for recruitment into sex trafficking. Developmental

vulnerabilities such as identity formation, the need for

belonging, desire for autonomy, desire for romantic

relationships, and evolving problem-solving skills make them

easily exploitable by traffickers who appeal to these

vulnerabilities (Schwartz, 2015). Based on the growing

literature, some youths are at greater risk for recruitment

than others. Several risk factors for STM have been

identified, including involvement with child protective

services, history of childhood sexual abuse, homelessness,

physical and emotional abuse, neglect, exposure to intimate

partner violence, problematic relationships with caregivers,

drug and alcohol abuse, and teen dating violence (Choi, 2015;

Countryman-Roswurm, 2012; Countryman-Roswurm & Bolin, 2014;

Farley et al., 2005; Franchino-Olsen, 2019; Kotrla, 2010;

Landers et al., 2017). Traffickers are known to be deeply

perceptive of the developmental vulnerabilities of youth and

target their unmet needs through strategic recruitment

methods.

Simply being a girl places a youth at an elevated risk

status relative to boys (Estes & Weiner, 2001), with 98% of

victims being women and girls (International Labour

Organization, 2012). Adolescent girls are particularly

vulnerable to sexual exploitation due to social norms that

cast gendered expectations and power imbalances in relation

to sexual activities, with boys being expected to take sexual

initiatives. Sexual inexperience, desire for romantic

relationships, and insecurity among young girls can set the

stage for manipulation and exploitation by adolescent boys or

men (Hanna, 2002).

Based on the differential needs and situations of youth,

the recruitment and exploitation of underage populations are

thought to differ from adult populations (Bouche & Shady,

2017; Dank et al., 2014). While it may be riskier to traffic

a youth due to increased policing efforts in protecting

minors and higher sentences for STM, it has been suggested

that these risks are offset by the youth being easier to

manipulate and control and being highly desired by

purchasers, bringing in more money for the trafficker (Dank

et al., 2014). Compared to adults, youths have greater needs

for protection, less life experience, and are dependent on

adults for basic needs such as food and shelter, making them

more vulnerable to traffickers who vow to provide care,

protection, and basic needs (Bruhns et al., 2018; Cole &

Anderson, 2013). Given youths' physical and emotional

dependency on adults, some research have suggested youths are

more trusting and less able to identify traffickers' coercive

and manipulative strategies to entrap them (Cole & Sprang,

2015). Adult victims, on the other hand, are generally less

psychologically dependent on their trafficker (Bouche &

Shady, 2017). In addition, literature on the trafficking of

adults identify several risk factors that are more unique to

adult victim populations, including needing to financially

support dependents, low educational attainment, and having

few job skills (Holger-Ambrose et al., 2013). Despite

differences in adult and underage victim populations, much of

the extant research on recruitment for sex trafficking have

pooled both underage and adult participants or examined

victimized adults only, limiting our understanding of the STM

specifically (Reid, 2014). In order to translate sex

trafficking research into evidence-based initiatives to

combat the STM, it is important for research to delineate the

specific ways in which traffickers target and recruit youth

into the sex trade. The current study aims to synthesize

research that focuses on youth recruitment into sex

trafficking in North America.

North American Context of Sex Trafficking

There have been few attempts to estimate the prevalence of

the STM in North America; however, available statistics are

often ``guesstimates'' rather than reliable rates (Franchino-

Olsen et al., 2020; Stransky & Finkelhor, 2012). Available

estimates for STM most commonly come from the United States,

where the rates range from 1,400 to upward of 199,000 victims

(Banks & Kyckelhahn, 2011; Estes & Weiner, 2001; Snyder &

Sickmund, 2006; U.S. Department of Justice, 2004), with the

most commonly cited study estimating upward of 325,000

children at risk for sexual exploitation in the United States

each year (Estes & Weiner, 2001). However, available

statistics are problematic as they often fail to distinguish

between domestic and international victims, are based on

varying definitions of sex trafficking, are geographically

limited, and utilize nonreplicable, unreliable methodologies

(Fedina et al., 2019; Franchino-Olsen et al., 2020; Stransky

& Finkelhor, 2012). Researcher error aside, the very nature

of the sex trafficking industry presents barriers to the

acquisition of accurate statistics. Most significant among

these is the fact that trafficking occurs largely

underground, within criminal networks that are transient,

discrete, and often invisible, even to law enforcement

(Duger, 2015; Franchino-Olsen et al., 2020). Difficulty in

obtaining estimates of an invisible crime is compounded by

the fact that many individuals victimized by sex trafficking

do not view themselves as victims of a crime and therefore do

not report it in any official capacity (Mcclain & Garrity,

2011). Despite flawed and unreliable statistics, STM is known

to be widespread across Canada and the United States,

requiring immediate action and sound research to uncover

trends and pathways of youth into sex trafficking including

the way traffickers target, recruit, and enmesh youth in the

sex trade (Clawson et al., 2009; Cole & Sprang, 2015; Dalley,

2010).

While STM defies geographic borders, a country's economic

environment, geographic positioning, laws, employment rates,

per capita income, and historical events shape the industry

and individual risk for recruitment (Hepburn & Simon, 2010;

C. O'Brien, 2009). As a result, trends in STM within North

America are different from the European context. The

permeable borders between European countries allow for easy

international movement between proximal countries (Lindstrom,

2004). For example, one report found only 5% of all

identified sex-trafficked victims in the United Kingdom (UK)

were originally from the UK, which is a stark contrast to the

picture of trafficking in NA where the majority of victims

are domestic persons (Baird, McDonald & Connolly, 2020; Banks

& Kyckelhahn, 2011; Mitchell et al., 2010; Royal Canadian

Mounted Police [RCMP], Human Trafficking National

Coordination Centre, 2014; Serious Organised Crime Agency,

2013). Given sex trafficking industries vary between

countries based on differences in social, geographical,

cultural, economic, and historical factors, it is not

appropriate to generalize understandings of STM across

countries that are dissimilar across these factors (Hepburn &

Simon, 2010). As such, the current study narrowed its focus

to systematically reviewing the recruitment of minors for sex

trafficking in two countries, Canada and the

United States both of which have similar cultural, economic,

geographic, and historical contexts.

The domestic STM is of major concern within Canada and the

United States (Clawson et al., 2009; Dalley, 2010). While

both countries adhere to the standards of affluent and

profitable nations that are alluring destinations for

international sex traffickers, research consistently shows

that domestic youth (i.e., youth trafficked within their

country of origin) comprise the majority of underage victims

in their respective countries (Baird et al., 2020; Kotrla,

2010; RCMP, Human Trafficking National Coordination Centre,

2014). Due to the risks and challenges associated with

transporting victims across borders, some research suggests

that domestic youths are preferred by traffickers (Smith et

al., 2009). In summarizing the literature on recruitment and

entrapment, it is important to distinguish between

international and domestic sex trafficking due to the nuanced

differences in the process of exploitation. Comparatively,

researchers suggest domestic sex traffickers more often

utilize interpersonal relationships and domestic violence to

entrap their target and international traffickers rely upon

kidnapping, parents' selling their children, and offering

false promises of jobs abroad for entrapment (Cecchet &

Thoburn, 2014). Understanding the specific ways American and

Canadian youths are recruited by traffickers and exploited

domestically is important in developing effective prevention

and intervention strategies.

Mr. Speaker, then let me offer this point of importance. The victims are not here on this floor, but we must carry their story to this floor, to ensure that we do not see another victim.

So I will offer these words from Courtney. Courtney has made it her mission to tell her story and speak out to spread awareness of human trafficking and help shape policy to protect other young people from falling victim to the schemes of human traffickers and to hold traffickers accountable.

She became entangled in sex trafficking while still in school. Despite what some believe about victims of human trafficking, she grew up in a loving, church-going family, in a safe neighborhood, and attended an upscale suburban high school in Texas.

At the age of 17, she was under the control of her first trafficker. She was being advertised for illicit sex on websites like Backpage. A trafficker with ties to her high school used fellow students to prey upon her and use her vulnerabilities to their advantage, offering her friendship and support when she felt she had none, meanwhile drawing her gradually and deeper into the life. She was actually groomed by two different organized crime networks simultaneously, and each groomer chatted with her through social media and messaging. One network even invested in grooming Courtney for almost an entire year.

Her first trafficker picked her up from school. She was unenrolled from her school and had her entire life uprooted in a desperate attempt to intervene in an exploitation.

She returned back to her hometown where days after turning 18, she was taken from her home by another invested trafficker. She soon realized she was in this world, and over and over again she was used and transported from Texas to California to Las Vegas, passing from one hand to the next.

What a vile life. She is willing to share this life.

It is extremely important that we pass this legislation and that we address the question of what can happen to our innocent children.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for closing.

Let me express my appreciation to those who sacrificed to share with us their stories and those who worked on this very important effort: Bishop James Dixon, II, the No Trafficking Zone cofounder and senior pastor of the Community of Faith Church, Branch President of the NAACP, Houston Branch; Jacquelyn Aluotto, NTZ cofounder, founder of Real Beauty Real Women; and Courtney Litvak, a member of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, who will participate in unveiling their annual report later this week; and so many others who have really helped. Jacquelyn Aluotto was someone who inspirationally wanted to lead us in this direction and worked very hard.

Each of us has a duty to protect young people, whether it be from drugs, gun violence, or sex traffickers. Our children deserve to be safe, and parents should know their children will be safe when they put them on the school bus or move them into their new dorms.

To be sure, H.R. 7566, the No Trafficking Zones Act, provides increased accountability for anyone who would dare interrupt or interfere with a young person's ability to obtain an education and lay the foundation for a productive future for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

In drafting this legislation, I am grateful for the contribution of the No Trafficking Zone Initiative and all of those whose names I have called, including those names not called, those victims silenced, or lives lost or destroyed.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 7566. This is a great day for helping to stop sex trafficking, human trafficking, where our children should be most safe, and that is at our schools.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 7566, the bipartisan ``No Trafficking Zones Act,'' would ensure that schools across the country, including institutions of higher education, are safe spaces for learning and academic exploration--free from the menace of sex trafficking.

H.R. 7566 would establish a sentencing enhancement of up to five years in several instances:

First, in the case of any person who commits the offense of sex trafficking within a primary or secondary school zone, or on, or within 1,000 feet of the premises of a school-sponsored activity or premises owned by an institution of higher education;

Second, for any person who commits the offense of coercion and enticement of a minor enrolled in a primary or secondary school or a person enrolled in an institution of higher education--to travel in interstate or foreign commerce and engage in criminal sexual activity-- while the minor is in a school zone, or on, or within 1,000 feet of, premises where a school-sponsored activity is taking place or while the person is on, or within 1,000 feet of, premises owned by the institution of higher education;

And, third, for any person who commits the offense of coercion and enticement of a minor using the mail or facilities of interstate or foreign commerce--such as text and instant messaging or social media platforms--while the minor who is enrolled in school or an institution of higher education, is in a school zone, or on, or within 1,000 feet of, premises where a school-sponsored activity is taking place or premises owned by an the institution of higher education.

Human trafficking is one of the greatest threats to human rights in the United States. In 2020, 11,193 instances of potential human trafficking were reported to the United States National Human Trafficking Hotline with at least 70 percent of those instances involving sex trafficking, while an estimated 25 percent of all human trafficking victims in the country are in my home state of Texas at any given time--many of whom are minors. That is why the Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones Act that we are debating is so important to pass.

At least 5,359 of trafficking victims and survivors identified through the hotline in 2019 were under the age of 18, and in 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received more than 17,200 reports of suspected child sex trafficking.

Many of these young victims of sex trafficking are students in school systems, colleges, trade schools, and universities across the country.

A 2018 survey reported that in Texas--where No Trafficking Zone legislation passed with bipartisan support earlier this year--55 percent of young sex trafficking survivors were trafficked while at school or school activities and 60 percent of trafficked adults said they were first groomed and solicited for trafficking while on school campuses.

Members of this body know all too well that children are sexually exploited in many ways. Some young people are trafficked by their schoolmates or people they once considered friends.

And while traffickers seek out young people who have noticeable vulnerabilities--including problems at school, conflicts at home, or even the need to fill in a tuition gap caused by the loss of a scholarship--no child or young person is truly safe from the schemes of charismatic traffickers bent on exploiting and destroying young lives.

With the proliferation of social media and the myriad ways in which we communicate with one another, traffickers have put these same means of communication to their own use--to find, target, lure, groom, victimize, and exert control over their victims. While buyers are using technology to find and purchase sex anonymously.

Traffickers have infiltrated every known form of communication-- especially the sites, messaging apps, and social media platforms our children use most frequently--leaving young people more vulnerable to manipulation.

Access to the internet, cell phones, and smartphones makes it easier for traffickers and buyers to communicate with children and youth--even when they are at school, in class, or attending school-sponsored activities.

As a result, trafficking has reached the halls, lunchrooms, gyms, dormitories, and classrooms of schools, colleges, and universities in every corner of this nation.

These staggering facts and statistics led me to introduce this bipartisan legislation, the No Trafficking Zones Act, known as the Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones Act, along with Chairman Nadler and Representative McCaul, who I wish to thank for working with me, as well as Representative Johnson of Louisiana for his amendment, that included the protections for young people at institutions of higher education.

Each of us has a duty to protect young people--whether it be from drugs, gun violence, or sex traffickers. Our children deserve to be safe; and parents should know their children will be safe when they put them on the school bus or move them into their new dorms.

To be sure, H.R. 7566, the No Trafficking Zones Act, provides increased accountability for anyone who would dare interrupt or interfere with a young person's ability to obtain an education and lay the foundation for a productive future--for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

In drafting this legislation, I am grateful for the contributions of the No Trafficking Zone Initiative, Bishop James Dixon, Jacquelyn Aluotto, and Courtney Litvak, who is also a member of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking and will participate in unveiling their Annual Report later this week.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7181) to amend the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to seek to provide for the posting of contact information of the national human trafficking hotline in the restrooms of each aircraft, airport, over-the-road bus, bus station, passenger train, and passenger railroad station operating within the United States, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 7181.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 7181, the Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022, would provide for the posting of the contact information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline in the restrooms of our country's transportation centers, where we know many trafficking victims pass through, as well as all Federal buildings and ports of entry to inform victims and those who witness suspected trafficking situations that help is available.

As I have said many times before, smuggling people across international borders is an equally troubling crime but distinct from human trafficking. Smugglers must be prosecuted, and the exploitation of their victims must not go unpunished. While many believe human trafficking happens only in other countries, the victimization of adults, youth, and children for the purposes of performing labor, commercial sex acts, and other services happens on an enormous scale in rural, urban, and suburban communities across the United States. We can document that by many organizations that are fighting the scourge of human trafficking.

H.R. 7181 would require the posting of the National Human Trafficking Hotline contact information in all Federal buildings; require the Department of Transportation and the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate with owners and operators of transportation hubs such as airports, bus stations, and train stations to post the contact information for the hotline in their restrooms; and, three, require the Department of Health and Human Services and other appropriate Federal agencies to post the hotline's contact information at every port of entry.

In 2020, more than 11,193 instances of potential human trafficking were reported to the United States National Human Trafficking Hotline.

In Texas, there are reportedly 313,000 victims of human trafficking at any given time, including 79,000 children and youth who are victims of sex trafficking and 234,000 adults who are victims of labor trafficking. The victims of human trafficking tend to be concealed, living in fear and isolated, in some cases physically and in other cases emotionally.

They might remain under the control of their traffickers for a variety of reasons, including a lack of the basic necessities to escape, like transportation or a safe place to go. Some may be afraid for their safety, while others may not recognize that they are under the control of their trafficker. Even after they are rescued or escape, there is always a possibility the victims will be revictimized.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is an essential component of the fight to end human trafficking, offering toll-free phone lines and SMS text lines that are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The hotline provides help, safety, and hope to victims and survivors by connecting them to the support and services they need.

They must know that they are not alone. That is the most important message that we want to give on the floor of the House today. The victims of sex trafficking and human trafficking, the children and the adult victims, are not alone.

Victims in crisis can receive assistance with safety planning, emotional support, and/or immediate connections

to emergency services, while survivors can get help in rebuilding their lives. Mr. Speaker, that is an important aspect of this legislation we are putting forward today.

The hotline also plays a vital role in combating human trafficking by helping law enforcement identify and rescue victims by receiving tips about a potential situation of human trafficking and by providing reports of tips to the appropriate authorities.

We must make every effort to identify victims and ensure victims and survivors of human trafficking are connected to services that can lead them to safety and help them begin to restore their lives. That begins with reaching them where they are and letting them know who they can call on for help without risking their safety.

Traffickers rely on our Nation's transportation infrastructure to transport their victims from city to city and State to State. In the brief moments victims are allowed by their traffickers to have a moment alone in the restroom of a bus station or airport, they may be able to call or even text for help. Victims, survivors, and concerned citizens need to know that help is just a phone call away because one call can mean the difference between life and death.

Despite the clandestine nature of human trafficking, we have learned from survivors that opportunities do exist to reach victims, and we should make the most of them. H.R. 7181, the Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022, does exactly that.

I am very grateful to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries), the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Bass), the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa), and the gentlewoman from South Carolina (Ms. Mace) for introducing this strategic and practical measure.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, before I yield to the gentleman for his closing, I include in the Record the ``Katy Sex-Trafficking Survivor Teams with White House to Fight Growing Threat''; ``4-Year-Old Among 31 Human Trafficking Victims Rescued in Kansas, Missouri''; ``Texas authorities rescue 70 missing children victimized by sex trafficking''; from the Houston Chronicle, November 23, 2020, ``Report: Human Trafficking Spikes in Texas Amid Pandemic''; and two additional articles relating to human trafficking.

[From Katy Magazine News, Dec. 10, 2019]

Katy Sex-Trafficking Survivor Teams With White House To Fight Growing

Threat

(By Natalie Cook Clark)

21-year-old Courtney Litvak of Katy hopes her experience as

a sex-trafficking victim can help other young people. As the

Childproof America Ambassador, she has taken her fight

against human trafficking to the White House.

After a year of ``grooming'' from various people, Courtney

Litvak, a Cinco Ranch High School student, left her Katy

home. At 18-years-old, she started a life in human

trafficking that lasted two years. Now, saved and back home,

Courtney works to raise awareness and end this epidemic

affecting students around the country, and right here in

Katy.

Cinco Ranch Student Survived Sex-Trafficking

Courtney Litvak, now 21, grew up in Katy in a loving home.

She went to church every Sunday and competed on a local swim

team. But at 18, she willingly left her home to enter a life

in human-trafficking.

``I was groomed by multiple people over the period of a

year,'' says Courtney. ``This is such a subtle process that

it's easy not to notice.'' She pointed out that social media

is often a major form of communication and makes such crimes

difficult to track.

Victims Lose All Control

``They (victims) don't understand what will be their

reality when they lose control,'' explains Courtney. She felt

she was targeted when she was vulnerable after experiencing a

traumatic event.

``I was assaulted and I became a changed person,'' says

Courtney. ``You should not go through a loss and then become

a target.''

Childproof America Supports Families, Educates Communities

In 2017, Courtney's mother, Kelly Litvak founded Childproof

America, a non-profit organization aimed at educating

families and communities about the warning signs that can

ultimately save children from becoming victims of this

growing trend in our country.

``It's key for people to understand this issue,'' says

Kelly. ``Every household in Katy needs to be informed about

human trafficking. Denial is a coping mechanism and it's

difficult for parents to comprehend. Child and sex should

never go into the same sentence. It's because of this mindset

that this is a threat to Katy. These people are counting on

families to be naive and it makes us sitting ducks.''

Informal Interventions

In addition to her duties as spokesperson, Courtney meets

informally with teens and young adults going through the

grooming process or trafficking.

``A parent will reach out to Childproof America and we talk

for about an hour on what they have found and are going

through,'' explains Kelly. ``Then Courtney is filled in and

if the youth is willing, she will sit down with them and can

help in key activities.''

These meetings are very effective. Since becoming the

Childproof America spokesperson this past August Courtney has

spoken to about 10 students, 3 of whom were boys. Currently,

Courtney and Kelly say that these sessions are seen as being

100 percent successful in getting these young people out of a

harmful and dangerous situation. However, they stress that

these cases will be followed up on.

``You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped,''

says Courtney.

Katy-Based Childproof America Averages 2-3 Calls a Week

Since Childproof America is Katy-based and many in Katy

know the Litvak's story about 80 percent of their calls come

from Katy residents. They average 2-3 calls a week but it

comes in waves. Recently Childproof America worked with the

Children's Assessment Center to host a Childproof America

emergency safety seminar when calls reached a sudden

increase.

``We started receiving so many calls that we felt something

was going on,'' says Kelly.

This is Not the Student's Fault

``I wish someone would have looked at me and said I get

it,'' says Courtney. ``I wanted to be validated and heard,

just listened to. We need to do better at recognizing these

groups and knowing this doesn't happen over night and this is

not the person's fault.''

When Courtney was trafficked, the city of Katy and Houston

community accepted that she chose this.``That is not true,''

says Courtney.

Master Manipulators

Courtney describes the people involved with human

trafficking as master manipulators.

``Everything is in their control,'' explains Courtney.

``All of your decisions are theirs. You're a commodity, a

property.''

According to the University of Texas, more than 79,000

children are being trafficked for sex in Texas alone.

``I've never seen so much coverage especially on social

media,'' says Courtney. ``It's really a combination of more

awareness being brought to it and such organizations are

growing. It (human trafficking) is continuing to get more

sophisticated and growing.''

Interest from the White House

A major initiative launched by Childproof America is the

education and outreach initiatives, specifically Family

Guides, which is exclusive to their group. Family Guides is

inspired by parents of victims and is designed to meet the

need of families in crisis. During a time of stress and fear,

families need a trained advocate who knows how to navigate

the issue quickly to help. Families with minor children and

18+ are matched with a compassionate advocate who can assist

with critical questions in a quick and effective fashion.

It's this program that has really piqued the interest of

officials in our nation's capital.

Success in D.C.

Just before Thanksgiving, Courtney and her mother were

invited to meet with lvanka Trump, advisor to the President.

In that meeting, they discussed how the current

administration could help fight against human trafficking.

``Ivanka was amazing and a champion for this cause,'' says

Kelly. ``We were prepared to present our mission in a short

time.''

The Litvaks say that lvanka was interested and has followed

up since their initial meeting.

``We're going back to D.C. in January,'' says Kelly. ``We

developed a true trust and lvanka's administration has asked

up for our opinions on top leaders on this topic.''

Putting Everything into Perspective

``What we're doing really didn't sink in until I was there

(meeting Ivanka),'' says Courtney. ``It was really emotional,

which is hard for me to be vulnerable. Our trip to D.C. put

everything into perspective. I'm repurposing the pain and

it's the beginning of something great.''

``There are so many areas where people are suffering,''

says Courtney. ``No matter where the suffering is, I hope to

help and use my platform to establish relationships with

leaders to get the ball rolling.''

Passion for other Areas

Courtney is passionate with other areas of service that she

hopes one day to be able to work with her connections to make

a difference.

``I'd love to help the homeless,'' says Courtney. ``Growing

up in Katy I could never wrap my head around it. I've seen

the gap and want to help.''

Local Schools Need to Open Doors to Expert Training

Childproof America is working with local schools and groups

to help spread their education initiative and educate people

on this difficult subject.

``We have been talking to Fort Bend ISD and now they are

organizing a massive training for everyone from students,

parents, and teachers,'' says Kelly. ``Every school district

needs to swing open their doors to experts to train people on

this subject. Schools need to get over the mindset that if

they have training, people will think that they are having a

problem. We need to empower the community.''

Faith Brought Her Back

Courtney credits her faith in God for giving her the

strength to stop putting harmful substances in her body and

to breakthrough the brain washing to get help and leave that

lifestyle.

``I'm not the first person this has happened to and I won't

be the last,'' says Courtney. ``I always want to continue to

be very raw and very genuine on this subject. I'm not putting

a time stamp on my service. I will always put my full heart

into it but what that will look like I don't know.''

Human Trafficking is in Katy and Doesn't Discriminate

It is important to note that human trafficking doesn't

discriminate. It can happen to anyone, and according to

Childproof America, this activity is happening in Katy and

Katy schools, like it's happening all over.

``I always want to acknowledge that everyone who's been

through this does not need to talk or help others,'' says

Courtney. ``It is extremely difficult and it's a lifelong

recovery.''

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, as we have heard, the idea of human trafficking is not going away. This legislation, I believe, will provide us with the important instruction to give to those victims where they may find some relief.

Human trafficking is a multibillion-dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to nearly 25 million people around the world. It is an ever-present threat to the health and safety of victims, many of whom are children, but also poses grave danger to public health and safety and national security.

Although the statistics we recite daily are breathtaking, they represent a mere fraction of the instances of trafficking that occur, as human trafficking is a highly underreported crime.

H.R. 7181, the Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022, would help identify, protect, and provide essential services to victims of human trafficking, who are often unseen, by requiring the posting of the contact information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline so that victims and anyone who sees someone who appears to be a victim know who to call or text for help.

This is commonsense, bipartisan legislation that I urge all of my colleagues to support, and I am seeking the support of my colleagues.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 7181, the ``Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022,'' would provide for the posting of the contact information of the National Human Trafficking Hotline in the restrooms of our country's transportation centers--where we know many trafficking victims pass through--as well as all federal buildings and ports of entry--to inform victims and those who witness suspected trafficking situations that help is available.

As I have said many times before, smuggling people across international borders is an equally troubling crime, but distinct from human trafficking. Smugglers must be prosecuted, and the exploitation of their victims must not go unpunished.

And while many believe human trafficking happens only in other countries, the victimization of adults, youth, and children for the purposes of performing labor, commercial sex acts and other services happens on an enormous scale in rural, urban, and suburban communities across the United States.

H.R. 7181 would: require posting of the National Human Trafficking Hotline's contact information in all federal buildings; require the Department of Transportation and the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate with owners and operators of transportation hubs, such as airports, bus stations, and train stations to post the contact information

for the hotline in their restrooms; and require the Department of Homeland Security--in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services and other appropriate federal agencies--to post the hotline's contact information at every port of entry.

In 2020, more than 11,193 instances of potential human trafficking were reported to the United States National Human Trafficking Hotline.

And in Texas, there are reportedly 313,000 victims of human trafficking at any given time, including 79,000 children and youth who are victims of sex trafficking and 234,000 adults who are victims of labor trafficking.

Victims of human trafficking tend to be concealed, living in fear, and isolated--in some cases physically and in other cases emotionally.

They might remain under the control of their traffickers for a variety of reasons, including a lack of the basic necessities to escape--like transportation or a safe place to go.

Some may be afraid for their safety. While others may not recognize that they are under the control of their trafficker.

And even after they are rescued or escape, there is always the possibility that victims will be revictimized.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is an essential component of the fight to end human trafficking. Offering toll-free phone lines and SMS text lines, that are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, the hotline provides help, safety, and hope to victims and survivors by connecting them to the support and services they need.

Victims in crisis can receive assistance with safety planning, emotional support, and immediate connections to emergency services while survivors can get help with rebuilding their lives.

The hotline also plays a vital role in combatting human trafficking by helping law enforcement identify and rescue victims; by receiving tips about potential situations of human trafficking; and by providing reports of tips to the appropriate authorities.

We must make every effort to identify victims and ensure victims and survivors of human trafficking are connected to services that can lead them to safety and help them begin to restore their lives.

That begins with reaching them where they are and letting them know who they can call for help without risking their safety.

Traffickers rely on our nation's transportation infrastructure to transport their victims from city to city and state to state. In the brief moments that allow victims to have a moment alone in the restroom of a bus station or airport, they may be able to call--or even text-- for help.

Victims, survivors, and concerned citizens need to know that help is just a phone call away because one call could mean the difference between life and death.

Despite the clandestine nature of human trafficking, we have learned from survivors that opportunities do exist to reach victims, and we should make the most of them. H.R. 7181, the Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022, does exactly that.

I thank Representatives Jeffries, Bass, Issa, and Mace for introducing this strategic and practical measure.

I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan bill.

Human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to nearly 25 million people around the world. It as an ever-present threat to the health and safety of victims, many of whom are children, but also poses grave danger to public health and safety and national security.

Although the statistics we recite daily are breathtaking, they represent a mere fraction of the instances of trafficking that occur, as human trafficking is a highly underreported crime.

H.R. 7181, the ``Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022,'' would help identify, protect, and provide essential services to victims of human trafficking, who are often unseen, by requiring the posting of the contact information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline so that victims--and anyone who sees someone who appears to be a victim-- know who to call, or text, for help.

This is commonsense, bipartisan legislation that I urge all of my colleagues to support. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 169) to amend title 17, United States Code, to require the Register of Copyrights to waive fees for filing an application for registration of a copyright claim in certain circumstances, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 169.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, S. 169, the Artistic Recognition for Talented Students Act, or the ARTS Act, would help introduce promising young students who have won either the Congressional Art Competition or the Congressional App Challenge to the intellectual property system by waiving the fee for these students to apply for a copyright for their winning work.

I applaud the gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries) for introducing the House version of this bipartisan, bicameral legislation with the gentlewoman from South Carolina (Ms. Mace), along with several of my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee, including Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Subcommittee Chairman Johnson and Ranking Member Issa, the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline), and the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Spartz).

The bill was passed under suspension last year. We are pleased today to take up passage of the Senate version of the bill, championed by Senators Leahy and Tillis, so the bill will pass both Chambers and become law.

We in this Chamber know just how important intellectual property rights are to our country and our economy, yet studies show that awareness of intellectual property is lacking among the country's students, even if they pursue fields that are IP intensive. The ARTS Act helps close this awareness gap early on and allows these students to participate in the intellectual property system without a financial burden.

What it also does is help build the farm team for all of those who will be protecting intellectual property in the

future. It gives them a sense of ownership, and it ties them to the Constitution because intellectual property certainly is part of their constitutional privilege, constitutional rights, and constitutional protection.

Property rights are very important, and that is what intellectual property is. It builds on Congress' work to encourage the creativity of our Nation's youth with the establishment of the Congressional Art Competition and the Congressional App Challenge. Year after year, in both of these competitions, the talent of students displayed is remarkable. I know it well in the candidates that I have seen and the choices that our arts committee in Houston in the 18th Congressional District has made. They are brilliant, and the apps are equally so.

Year after year, in both of these competitions, we see outstanding work. Through both, we continue to see our youth encouraged to develop their artistic and technical talents as Congress intended.

The ARTS Act makes these competitions even more impactful. Under the bill, the students may apply to register a copyright for their winning work or winning app for free. This introduces these students to the intellectual property system and the benefits of copyright protection-- again, a constitutional right.

Under current law, the Register of Copyrights cannot waive these fees on her own. The ARTS Act amends the Copyright Act to allow such a fee waiver for these specific circumstances. Building the farm team, again, is so very important.

Once again, I applaud the sponsors of the bill for bringing forward this important legislation, which will aid the next generation of creators and innovators.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support passage, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, again, S. 169 is a short but important bill that promotes education and awareness of intellectual property to the next generation of creators. What an outstanding way to build the farm team, to create a buy-in by the young geniuses of our time, both in terms of the apps and arts and many other aspects.

Again, we recognize the constitutional connection to the idea of property, copyright, intellectual property, and it is important for young people to learn early on and to be protective of the genius of America.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. Speaker, S. 169, the ``Artistic Recognition for Talented Students Act'' or the ``ARTS Act,'' would help introduce promising young students who have won either the Congressional Art Competition or the Congressional App Challenge to the intellectual property system by waiving the fee for those students to apply for a copyright registration for their winning work.

I applaud my colleague, Mr. Jeffries, for introducing the House version of this bipartisan, bicameral legislation with Ms. Mace, along with several of my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee, including Intellectual Property Subcommittee Chairman Johnson and Ranking Member Issa, Mr. Cicilline, and Ms. Spartz.

This bill was passed under suspension last year. We are pleased today to take up passage of the Senate version of the bill, championed by Senators Leahy and Tillis, so that the bill will pass both chambers and become law.

We in this Chamber know just how important intellectual property rights are to our country and our economy. Yet studies show that awareness of intellectual property is lacking among the country's students, even if they pursue fields that are IP-intensive. The ARTS Act helps close this awareness gap early on and allows these students to participate in the intellectual property system without a financial burden.

It builds on Congress's work to encourage the creativity of our nation's youth with the establishment of the Congressional Art Competition and the Congressional App Challenge more.

Year after year, in both of these competitions, the talent our students display is remarkable. Through both, we continue to see our youth encouraged to develop their artistic and technical talents, as Congress intended.

The ARTS Act makes these competitions even more impactful. Under the bill, students may apply to register a copyright for their winning artwork or winning app for free. This introduces these students to the intellectual property system and the benefits of copyright protection.

Under current law, the Register of Copyrights cannot waive these fees on her own. The ARTS Act amends the Copyright Act to allow such a fee waiver for these specific circumstances.

Once again, I applaud the sponsors of the bill for bringing this important legislation forward, which will aid the next generation of creators and innovators.

I urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. Speaker, S. 169 is a short but important bill that will promote education and awareness of intellectual property to the next generation of creators. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4330) to maintain the free flow of information to the public by establishing appropriate limits on the federally compelled disclosure of information obtained as part of engaging in journalism, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4330.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4330, the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act, or the PRESS Act.

The PRESS Act would create a strong but qualified Federal statutory privilege that protects journalists from being compelled by the Federal Government to reveal confidential sources and information.

Additionally, the bill prohibits the Federal Government from compelling an electronic service provider that stores a journalist's information to disclose that information, as well as information relating to the journalist's personal account or technology device, to the government unless a court determines that there is a reasonable threat of imminent violence absent the information's disclosure and subject to other requirements and certain specified exceptions.

H.R. 4330 is necessary and long-overdue legislation.

Over the past several decades, Presidential administrations of both parties have attempted to crack down on leaks of classified information to media outlets, and these investigations have included efforts to obtain journalists' records. For example, just last year, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and CNN reported that the Department of Justice under the Trump administration sought the information and records of their reporters.

The most sacred part of our freedom includes the protection and freedom of the press. That is embedded in the Constitution in our First Amendment in the Bill of Rights, so to hear and to see that glaring infraction shows us the necessity of this legislation before us.

In addition, during the Obama administration, the Department reportedly searched FOX News reporter James Rosen's emails and even listed him as a coconspirator in an Espionage Act case it brought against a source of the leaked information.

These and other recent episodes illustrate the need for stronger Federal protections for journalists and their sources.

The truth is cleansing. The truth is democracy.

Indeed, 40 States and the District of Columbia have enacted press shield laws, while other States afford similar privileges through their State constitution of common law.

Moreover, there has been longstanding and bipartisan support in Congress for Federal protections. In

2005, former Vice President Mike Pence, when he was a Member of this body, first introduced the Free Flow of Information Act, which was very similar in concept to H.R. 4330. That legislation subsequently passed the House twice in the 110th and the 111th Congresses, the first time by 398-21, and the second time by voice vote. Unfortunately, the Senate never took action on these bills, but I am pleased that efforts to advance a Federal reporters shield bill continue in the House today.

Again, we must stand for liberty. It is my hope that the Senate will finally take up this important issue.

I thank Congressmen Jamie Raskin, Ted Lieu, and John Yarmuth for their work on the PRESS Act. I also thank the Judiciary Committee ranking member, Jim Jordan, for his support.

The need for this legislation is as great, if not greater, than when it was first introduced in an earlier form many years ago.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important bipartisan legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Raskin), the author of the PRESS Act, who has been persistent in his commitment to civil liberties as an important member of the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, let me just comment, as I determine whether we have any further speakers, that this protection of the First Amendment rights of our journalists are so crucial, and this legislation enjoys bipartisan support.

We have already made the point that we have found some offense of this in bipartisan officeholders, government, so I think it is important, in the spirit of harmony today, that we choose no President to suggest one was more so than the others, and I can't think of any comparison to the previous administration. But, today, we are standing here and wanting to bring people together around the importance of ensuring that the press is protected and shielded, that the truth is cleansing, and that the truth is heard.

Clearly, in the Trump administration, the truth was challenged, and we are grateful that the press stood tall.

I believe this legislation is extremely important to cleanse all persons in public life so that public officials can serve in the spirit of transparency and that journalists can provide the facts to all the people of America.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, H.R. 4330 is a bipartisan effort similar to legislation worked on by Vice President Pence.

The Judiciary Committee reported the bill on a bipartisan basis by voice vote. In addition, H.R. 4330 is supported by numerous civil liberties and journalist organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Demand Progress, the Society of Professional Journalists, the News Media Alliance, the National Association of Broadcasters, the National Press Photographers Association, the Radio Television Digital News Association, the News Leaders Association, MPA--the Association of Magazine Media, the Project for Privacy and Surveillance Accountability, and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4330, the ``Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act'' or the ``PRESS Act.'' The PRESS Act would create a strong, but qualified, federal statutory privilege that protects journalists from being compelled by the federal government to reveal confidential sources and information.

Additionally, the bill prohibits the federal government from compelling an electronic service provider that stores a journalist's information to disclose that information, as well as information relating to the journalist's personal account or technology device, to the government, unless a court determines that there is a reasonable threat of imminent violence absent the information's disclosure, and subject to other requirements and certain specified exceptions.

H.R. 4330 is necessary and long overdue legislation.

Over the past several decades, presidential administrations of both parties have attempted to crack down on leaks of classified information to media outlets, and these investigations have included efforts to obtain journalists' records.

For example, just last year, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and CNN reported that the Department of Justice under the Trump Administration sought the information and records of their reporters.

In addition, during the Obama Administration, the Department reportedly searched Fox News reporter James Rosen's e-mails and even listed him as a co-conspirator in an Espionage Act case that it brought against the source of the leaked information.

These and other recent episodes illustrate the need for stronger federal protections for journalists and their sources.

Indeed, forty states and the District of Columbia have enacted press shield laws, while other states afford similar privileges through their state constitutions and common law.

Moreover, there has been longstanding and bipartisan support in Congress for federal protections.

In 2005, Former Vice President Mike Pence, when he was a member of this body, first introduced the ``Free Flow of Information Act,'' which was very similar in concept to H.R. 4330. That legislation subsequently passed the House twice, in the 110th and 111th Congresses, the first time by a 398 to 21 vote, and the second time by voice vote.

Unfortunately, the Senate never took action on those bills, but I am pleased that efforts to advance a federal reporters' shield bill continue in the House today. It is my hope that the Senate will finally take up this important issue.

I want to thank Congressmen Jamie Raskin, Ted Lieu, and John Yarmuth for their work on the PRESS Act. I also thank Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jim Jordan for his support.

The need for this legislation is as great, if not greater, than when it was first introduced in its earlier form many years ago.

I urge all my colleagues to vote YES on this important bipartisan legislation.

As I noted earlier, H.R. 4330 and similar federal press shield legislation has long enjoyed strong bipartisan support. The Judiciary Committee reported the bill on a bipartisan basis by voice vote.

In addition, H.R. 4330 is supported by numerous civil liberties and journalists' organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Demand Progress, the Society of Professional Journalists, the News Media Alliance, the National Association of Broadcasters, the National Press Photographers Association, the Radio Television Digital News Association, the News Leaders Association, MPA--The Association of Magazine Media, the Project for Privacy and Surveillance Accountability, Protect The 1st, and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

Given the broad support for the bill and the pressing need for federal protections for journalists and their sources, I urge the House to pass H.R. 4330.

Mr. Speaker, given the broad support of the bill and the pressing need for Federal protections for journalists and their sources, I urge the House to pass H.R. 4330, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3034) to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide an additional place for holding court for the Western District of Washington, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3034.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3034 which would amend title 28 of the U.S. Code to provide an additional place for holding court in the Western District of Washington.

This one-sentence bill would allow the residents of that district which is comprised of half of Washington State from the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean to attend Federal Court in Mount Vernon, Washington, halfway between Seattle and the Canadian border.

Currently, residents of the surrounding counties, including the third most populous county in the State, have to travel significant distances to access the Federal justice system leading to increased travel time and administrative costs. Adding Mount Vernon as an additional court location would alleviate those burdens. It would also be a cost-free change because there is an existing facility available for the court to use, and no court personnel would be permanently stationed there. Making use of this existing facility would ensure that litigants, attorneys, witnesses, and other court users would have greater access to the justice that our Federal courts provide.

Mr. Speaker, the Judiciary Committee is the holder, protector, and nurturer of the Constitution. There is probably nothing as important among other elements but for the right to a trial by jury or right to be heard as a litigant in a court. This important legislation is suggesting that those who may have difficulty or are even deprived because of distance or other issues dealing with the far reaches of where this court is away from them can now have unfettered access to court in their region, in their area.

This move will benefit the many individuals who live, work, and do business in northwest Washington which is very far from the present site of the Federal Court. This legislation is broadly supported by the judges, attorneys, prosecutors, public defenders, and law enforcement in the Western District of Washington.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Suzan DelBene and Rick Larsen for calling attention to this issue and for introducing this legislation to improve the lives of the residents of Washington State. Chairman Nadler and all of the members of the Judiciary Committee were very pleased to work with this legislation, and Congresswoman DelBene and Congressman Larsen to be able to make this fix to provide an additional pathway of justice and the protection of the constitutional rights of individuals to have their access to courts and to trials by jury.

At this point, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, it is good music and good sounds to hear my colleague indicating that this legislation has widespread support, and he is absolutely right.

The only point that I would want to emphasize is that whenever this body and this Judiciary Committee can expand the rights to the protection of Americans and their rights to access justice, we should stand tall.

Today, this legislation, with a small fix of providing an additional site for the people of western Washington to access their constitutional, judicial, and legal rights, I think this is a celebration. So because of the broad support for this, we are delighted.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 3034, and make known that it is a straightforward bill that will improve the administration of justice in Washington State and will reinforce our duty and responsibility to the American people for justice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3034, which would amend title 28 of the U.S. Code to provide an additional place for holding court in the Western District of Washington.

This one-sentence bill would allow residents of that district, which comprises half of Washington state--from the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean--to attend federal court in Mount Vernon, Washington, halfway between Seattle and the Canadian border.

Currently, residents of the surrounding counties, including the third most-populous county in the state, have to travel significant distances to access the federal justice system, leading to increased travel time and administrative costs. Adding Mount Vernon as an additional court location would alleviate those burdens. It would also be a cost-free change because there is an existing facility available for the court to use, and no court personnel would be permanently stationed there.

Making use of this existing facility would ensure that litigants, attorneys, witnesses, and other court users would have greater access to the justice that our federal courts provide.

This move will benefit the many individuals who live, work, and do business in Northwest Washington, and this legislation is broadly supported by the judges, attorneys, prosecutors, public defenders, and law enforcement in the Western District of Washington.

I thank Representatives Suzan DelBene and Rick Larsen for calling attention to this issue and for introducing this legislation to improve the lives of the residents of Washington state.

I urge all of my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3034 is a straightforward bill that will improve the administration of justice in Washington State. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.