NAPO Washington Reports

NAPO is recognized in the Congressional Record as a supporter of the End Sex Trafficking Act

October 7, 2013

In July 2013, NAPO pledged its support for the End Sex Trafficking Act (HR 2805/S.1354), sponsored by Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX), Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX), Congressman Richard Nolan (D-MN), Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). (H.R. 2805 is now supported by 39 cosponsors).

Every year, thousands of criminals prey on children and trafficking victims in the United States—purchasing illicit and coerced sexual acts on websites and on our streets. In order to help drive the pimps and purveyors of sex trafficking out of business forever, this legislation targets the predators that purchase trafficking victims for sex. The End Sex Trafficking Act strengthens the Trafficking Victims Protection Act by adding the words "solicits or patronizes" to the sex trafficking statute— making absolutely clear for judges, juries, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials that criminals who purchase sexual acts from trafficking victims can and should be arrested, prosecuted, and convicted as sex trafficking offenders.

The bill also leverages existing resources by directing federally funded law enforcement task forces that are part of the Innocence Lost National Initiative to focus on fighting demand through the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of persons who purchase sexual acts with human trafficking victims.

Congressman Poe recently spoke about the scourge of human trafficking on the House Floor. In addition to sharing survivor stories, Congressman Poe discussed the End Sex Trafficking Act and recognized NAPO as a supporter of the bill.

NAPO will continue to assist with efforts to ensure this important bill is passed and provide our members with regular status updates on this legislation.

If you have any questions about this legislation, please contact Melissa Nee at: mnee@napo.org.

Source:
United States. Cong. End Sex Trafficking Act One-Pager. 113th Cong. Cong. Doc. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.