Fighting human trafficking starts in every community – Congressman Bob Goodlatte

The right to freedom is the very bedrock of America. From the first days of our country, Americans have fiercely defended this right and worked to advance it throughout our society. Nevertheless, even in today’s modern world there are those in the United States who are not free. Victims of human trafficking are not free. Their lives are stolen.

It’s hard to imagine that human trafficking is something that happens in the United States. But the sad truth is that it does, and it’s a chilling thought, especially for any parent or grandparent. In 2016, the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported more than 7,500 cases of human trafficking. It’s not just big cities either. Human trafficking is a problem in communities of every size, including here in Virginia.

The fight against this crime starts in every community. It infects every community and our local officials and law enforcement are on the front lines in this battle. Earlier this month, the House of Representatives passed the Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act, which is a product of the House Judiciary Committee and one of the many bills we have put forth to fight this crime. Click here to learn more about this bipartisan bill and two others recently passed by the House.

The House has now passed 16 bipartisan bills to help victims, punish traffickers, prevent trafficking, and aid law enforcement. It is imperative that these bills become law. Every person has inherent worth and value and ought to be treated with dignity. We must do all we can to fight this heinous crime and bring perpetrators to justice.

Tune in on Thursday: All but one state is required to balance its budget. Why isn’t the federal government? On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee will examine the need for a Balanced Budget Amendment. Click here to watch the hearing live at 10AM.

Congratulations, Miller-Motte Technical College Class of 2017!
I was honored to speak to graduates of Miller-Motte Technical College and their friends and family on Friday evening in Lynchburg. They have worked hard and achieved something great. Best wishes!

Seeking Answers: Last week, all Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee joined me in sending a letter to the Department of Justice requesting responses to the Committee’s unanswered oversight letters sent during the Obama Administration. Over the past several years, the Committee sought answers to a multitude of questions concerning various issues of interest stemming from Judiciary hearings and oversight responsibilities. However, many of these inquiries remain unanswered or inadequately answered, with some outstanding requests approaching two years overdue.

70 Years Strong in Page County
Louderback Implement Company, Inc. in Stanley is celebrating 70 years in business. I enjoyed visiting them last week to hear more about what they do each day. This is one of the small businesses in Sixth District that plays a big role in our communities. Thank you to Kenny and Chris Louderback for putting in the long hours and hard work over the years!

Should you have further questions, please visit the “Contact Bob” section of my website or call (202) 225-5431.