This week, I joined Google and the Human Rights Project for Girls to bring attention to the bipartisan and bicameral “Our Daughters Are Not for Sale” Resolution and the fight against domestic sex trafficking. Each month in Minnesota more than 200 girls are sold for sex. This is absolutely unacceptable. We owe it to these young women to treat them as victims, not as criminals, and to ensure that traffickers and buyers are prosecuted. We also need to ensure that our nation’s foster care system does all it can to protect vulnerable youth so they can live safe, happy, and successful lives. 

In July, I introduced the "Child Sex Trafficking Data and Response Act" with Congresswoman Slaughter (D-NY). Our bill improves data systems that track missing children as well as provides proper designation to ensure victims receive the care and help they need. In October, I was able to testify before the Ways and Means Committee on his important legislation. 

We can, and must do what we can to combat this tragic trend in our own backyard.

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