Today U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Representatives Ted Poe (R-TX) and Kay Granger (R-TX) introduced the bipartisan and bicameral End Sex Trafficking Act of 2013. Unfortunately, Texas has become a national hub for human trafficking. This bill will help eliminate human trafficking rings by targeting the criminals who purchase sexual acts from these organizations and ensuring that they are prosecuted as human traffickers.

“I am proud to introduce legislation that will build upon the important steps we’ve taken to protect victims and crack down on  those that perpetrate these heinous crimes,” said Sen. Cornyn.  “The End Sex Trafficking Act will reduce demand for human trafficking by helping law enforcement officials to target those who purchase sex trafficking victims.”

“Human trafficking is modern day slavery, and it is occurring in our own backyard. It’s time for Washington to act”, said Rep. Poe. The End Sex Trafficking Act targets the source of this problem: demand. In Economics 101, we all learned that the key to a successful business is demand. The human trafficking “business” is no different. In order to eliminate it, we must target and penalize the buyers. This bill strengthens and clarifies federal law to ensure that buyers of sex from minors and other trafficked victims are arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced where they belong: jail.”

“I have seen the permanent devastation human trafficking brings to its victims and their families,” said Rep. Kay Granger.  “Sadly, North Texas is a hub for traffickers moving victims through the I-35 corridor, so I am proud to join my colleagues today in introducing bipartisan legislation that addresses this terrible crisis from the demand side.  Those who buy or solicit the services of human trafficking victims drive this criminal business.  If we can decrease the demand, the need for a supply will wane as well.”

The End Sex Trafficking Act is supported by Shared Hope International, Fraternal Order of Police, National District Attorneys Association, Human Rights for Girls, The American Bar Association, The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, The National Organization for Victim Assistance, The National Network to End Domestic Violence, and Ending Child Prostitution and Trafficking.