“During this operation, more than 168 juveniles being exploited through commercial child sex trafficking were rescued by law enforcement. The youngest of these victims was just 11 years old, and some of the victims had never even been reported as missing”, said Paulsen.
On June 26, 2014 Rep. Erik Paulsen of Minnesota asked for and was granted permission to address the United States House of Representatives for one minute regarding efforts to combat child sex trafficking in the United States:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the work of the FBI, local and State law enforcement, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for successfully conducting a weeklong operation to address commercial child sex trafficking in the United States.
During this operation, more than 168 juveniles being exploited through commercial child sex trafficking were rescued by law enforcement. The youngest of these victims was just 11 years old, and some of the victims had never even been reported as missing. The operation spanned across 106 different cities and resulted in 281 pimps being arrested who were recruiting minors off the streets and online.
While the operation was a success, it absolutely underscores the need for action to combat child sex trafficking. The House has passed five different bipartisan bills to protect and help victims, go after the pimps and the johns, and also end international sex trafficking. We need the Senate to take action as well, Mr. Speaker.
These are children. And by working together with law enforcement and victims’ groups, we will save lives”, said Paulsen.
Source: Congressional Record http://thomas.loc.gov/
See video: FBI press conference https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK_qRE0Dk_0
Congressman Paulsen is a Member on the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means. The Committee is the chief tax writing committee and is tasked with framing the nation’s economic, health care and trade policy. He also co chairs other important subcommittee including the Nuclear issues working group – which is an obscure but incredibly important committee dealing with weapons of Mass destruction and nuclear proliferation issues.
As evidenced by his words and actions Paulsen is a tireless advocate in regard to eliminating the scourge of child sex trafficking and is working to augment legislation to combat that plague on human society! We applaud his efforts to highlight this issue and keep it forefront in the news.