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Paulsen Participates in North Dakota Roundtable on Combating Sex Trafficking

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) joined Congressman Kevin Cramer (ND-At Large) and North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem at a roundtable in Williston, ND to discuss ways to combat sex trafficking in the region and around the country. North Dakota’s economic growth from energy development has led to a resurgence of jobs and money to the state. However, this growth has brought other challenges to the region including an increase in sex trafficking—a fact recently documented by National Public Radio. Paulsen’s invitation to participate in the roundtable was based on his Congressional leadership on anti-sex trafficking legislation.

“The fact is human trafficking is happening all across America—even in small, Midwest towns like Williston,” said Paulsen. “Without smart, effective laws on the books, young girls from around the country will continue to be vulnerable to sex trafficking. To protect these victims, Congress and state legislatures should embrace solutions that we know work—including ‘Safe Harbor’ laws.”
 
Congressman Paulsen speaks at the roundtable in Williston, ND

Joining the roundtable were representatives from law enforcement, advocacy groups, and local community leaders. Many speakers stressed the need for ‘Safe Harbor’ laws classifying minors involved in sex trafficking as victims, not criminals. Paulsen is authoring legislation in Congress to provide incentives for states to adopt ‘Safe Harbor’ legislation and provide victims with the services they need. The bill, H.R. 3610, The Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking (SETT) Act, builds on what some states—such as Minnesota—have done successfully to reduce sex trafficking. Last week, H.R. 3610 passed the House Committee on the Judiciary. It’s expected to reach the House floor for a vote in late May.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.

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