Skip to main content

Pelosi Remarks at Enrollment Signing Ceremony for Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act

May 21, 2015

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks today at the enrollment signing ceremony for S.178, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. Below is a transcript of the Leader's remarks:

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It's an honor to join you and this very strong bipartisan group of leaders who have worked together to bring this non-partisan bill to the floor, and now to the President's desk. As you have indicated in your remarks, you've gone through what the bill does. We all agree: human trafficking is an abhorrent crime. It stands outside the circle of civilized human behavior. It has no place in America; it has no place in the world; no place in a civilized society.

"Trafficking's persistence is an outrage that challenges us all to greater action to fight its perpetrators and to support its victims. Combating human trafficking is an effort, again, that has many leaders in the House and in the Senate – on both sides of the aisle. My thanks and congratulations to all of the Members who have made bills – there are many bills that went into this package – and who were invaluable in bringing the omnibus legislation forward. I'm glad Congress has found a bipartisan way to send this bill to the President's desk.

"Our work doesn't end here. We must have a strong and sustained commitment to ending human trafficking, and we must continue to build on this important legislation. But today – today represents a big step forward for vulnerable and exploited children. Unfortunately, although largely girls – and I have four daughters, and one son – human trafficking includes boys and young men as well. So I look forward to the President signing this omnibus legislation soon. It's not only about the legislation; it's about these people, and it's about our values. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for inviting all of us to be with you as you sign this legislation."

# # #