Press Releases

Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the House passed a series of bills aimed at preventing the growth of human trafficking practices in the United States:

“While many Americans may think human trafficking is a problem only occurring in countries far away, the reality is disturbingly close for thousands of people living right here in the United States. According to the FBI, sex trafficking is the fastest-growing business of organized crime in the world and is estimated to be a $9.8 billion industry in the United States. With Arizona hosting the Super Bowl this weekend, our great state will be faced with many of these challenges firsthand.  I have been working with my Arizona colleagues in the House, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice and local law enforcement to encourage a coordinated effort to combat human trafficking during this event.

“I am pleased to see the 114^th Congress swiftly act to combat this growing threat by streamlining law enforcement resources, enhancing victim services and cracking down on internet exploitation of children and trafficking victims. As a Representative of a border state I recognize how crucial is that we enact meaningful and effective legislation that proactively tracks down sellers and reaches out to our communities for support in protecting potential victims.

“We must not compromise when it comes to protecting innocent children from the horrors of sex trafficking. Bold and preemptive action is necessary to always stay ahead of criminal activities that look to inflict unspeakable harm on our nation’s youth.” 
 

Additional:

Further information on today's House passed legislation can be found HERE, courtesy of the Speaker of the House. 

Today’s House passed legislation carries the support of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association (AzLTA). Debbie Johnson, President and CEO stated “AzLTA is passionate about raising the awareness of this terrible crime that exploits so many of our children. Our industry appreciates the opportunity to develop and implement a training program for Arizona’s tourism industry on the warning signs of these activities that could be taking place without our knowledge.”

On November 14, 2014, Rep. Gosar spearheaded a letter that was signed by the entire Arizona House delegation encouraging a coordinated effort for combat human trafficking during the Super Bowl. Click HERE to read that letter.

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