Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced that on Tuesday, May 7, he will convene a hearing to examine innovative initiatives to combat human trafficking around the world.   The hearing, entitled “Local and Private Sector Initiatives to Combat International Human Trafficking,” will begin at 10 a.m.

Chairman Royce on the hearing:  “Human trafficking is a global problem, but not a faraway problem.  In fact, some of the world’s estimated 20 million victims, primarily women and girls, are in our own neighborhoods.  At this hearing, the Committee will focus on innovative local and private sector partnerships that are connecting and equipping communities around the world to combat this modern-day slavery. 

 “This transnational crime is a problem in Orange and Los Angeles counties and throughout southern California.  So, I am eager to hear the testimony of Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, who has become widely recognized as a leader in the fight against human trafficking.  Also, I look forward to hearing the private sector witnesses whose work greatly helps victims, in part by helping businesses ensure that their supply chains are ‘trafficking free.’”

What: 
Hearing:  Local and Private Sector Initiatives to Combat International Human Trafficking

When:
10 a.m., Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Where:
2172 Rayburn House Office Building
***Live video feed available HERE

Witness List:
Mr. Don Knabe
Supervisor, Fourth District
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

Mr. Bradley Myles
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Polaris Project

Shawn MacDonald, Ph.D.
Director of Programs and Research
Verité

***See foreignaffairs.house.gov for updates. 

***Coverage note:  All Foreign Affairs Committee proceedings are webcast live at foreignaffairs.house.gov/live-video-feed.

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