Sep
16
2010
Abolitionists around the country are advocating for the passage of the Child Protection Compact Act – critical legislation designed to help protect children in targeted countries from slavery and sex trafficking. We are now entering a crucial phase: If Congress does not make the CPCA a priority and pass it into law before adjourning in October for mid-term elections, the bill will die.
We need your help to pass this urgent legislation! Senators have a great deal to do before Congress adjourns – so they need to hear from constituents who care about ending child trafficking if they are going to make the CPCA a priority.
It’s easy – just:
- Find out who your Senators are and how to contact them (Find your state in the upper right corner and look for the “Contact” section on your Senators’ websites.)
- Check to see if either of your Senators has already committed to co-sponsor the CPCA.
- Make the call!
- For Senators who are already co-sponsors of the CPCA:
“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [City, State]. I’m calling to thank Senator [NAME] for his/her co-sponsorship of the Child Protection Compact Act. This bill would help to eradicate child trafficking, an issue I really care about. I appreciate the Senator’s leadership on the issue, and I’m hoping the Senator will vote to pass the bill when it reaches the Senate floor. Would you please pass my message on to the Senator? Thank you!” - For Senators who are not already co-sponsors of the CPCA:
“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [City, State]. [Optional: Can I speak to the legislative aide who handles human trafficking issues?] I’m calling to ask Senator [NAME] to co-sponsor S. 3184, the Child Protection Compact Act. This bill would help to eradicate child trafficking, an issue I really care about. At a minimum, I’m hoping the Senator will commit to voting to pass the bill when it reaches the Senate floor. Would you please pass my message on to the Senator? Thank you!”
The Child Protection Compact Act (CPCA) will provide assistance to select “focus countries” through the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (G/TIP). These focus countries will receive support in building public justice systems that effectively investigate crimes against children and prosecute perpetrators. This bi-partisan legislation also authorizes increased assistance for care of survivors of trafficking.
The CPCA was introduced in the House in June 2009 by Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), and in the Senate in March 2010 by Senators Boxer (D-CA), Brownback (R-KS) and Cardin (D-MD). The bill was then referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It must be voted out of both committees in order to reach the full House and Senate for a vote before Congress adjourns in early October. Learn more »
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