Rep. Wagner Statement on Letter to Senator McCaskill re: Human Trafficking Legislation
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner released the following statement regarding a letter she sent to Senator McCaskill about her lack of support for the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, a bipartisan bill that passed unanimously through committee and creates programs to support victims of sex trafficking
"I am disappointed that one of my Senators from Missouri has once again voted to block debate on an important anti-human trafficking bill in the United States Senate. Senator Claire McCaskill again voted this afternoon to block consideration on the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, an important piece of legislation that would add vital support and protection for victims and survivors of human trafficking. The Senate Democrats' concern over language that blocks taxpayer support for abortions is not sufficient justification for obstructing this lifesaving legislation.
"Only two additional votes are needed to allow this bill to move towards passage; I implore Senator McCaskill to think of the victims and change her course of action. It is time for Democrats like Senator McCaskill to stop saying no and join Republicans in the fight against sex trafficking."
See below for the text of the letter.
March 18, 2015
The Honorable Claire McCaskill
United States Senator, Missouri
730 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator McCaskill,
I am writing you today to respectfully request that you reconsider your recent vote to block full and open debate on the S. 178, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
As you know, S. 178, legislation sponsored by Sen. John Cornyn, would boost support for and protection of victims of human trafficking by increasing law enforcement resources, enhancing victims' services and increasing penalties in an effort to combat child sex trafficking, child pornography, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Human trafficking is a real and growing problem in Missouri and the rest of the United States. The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act would direct more funds to groups across the country that work to combat trafficking and assist survivors of this heinous crime.
Despite valiant and ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to prosecute offenders, Missouri has a significant human trafficking problem. Located at major transportation crossroads, both the Kansas City and St. Louis regions have been identified to be among the top human trafficking hubs in the country.
As elected representatives, I believe any differences with legislation should be resolved through the legislative process. On Tuesday, four of your Democratic colleagues voted in favor of moving forward with debate and gathering the bipartisan support this issue deserves. I respectfully request that you add your name to the list of Democrats willing to support the victims of human trafficking by voting to invoke cloture on S. 178.
As a fellow member of Congress, I sincerely hope you will strongly consider my request and vote to proceed on debate so that Congress can properly deliberate the merits of this important bill.
Respectfully,
Rep. Ann Wagner
U.S. Representative (MO-02)
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