On Monday, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, convened a field hearing to examine international human trafficking and to assess efforts to combat trafficking at the international, Federal, State and local levels.  The hearing, entitled “Regional Perspectives in the Global Fight Against Human Trafficking,” was held on the campus of California State University, Fullerton.

Video of the entire hearing, including witness testimony (text and video), is available HERE. 

Video of Chairman Royce’s opening statement is available HERE:

http://youtu.be/cbiDEry9D3s

At the hearing, two trafficking victims, Angela Guanzon and Carissa Phelps, provided compelling testimony about their horrific trafficking experiences, and insights into how to better prevent trafficking and protect victims.   U.S. Ambassador-at-Large Luis CdeBaca, Orange County (CA) District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, and CEO of the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking Kay Buck testified at the hearing.

Video of Chairman Royce questioning the witnesses is available HERE:

http://youtu.be/vs7C8NvRig4

Note: Last week, Chairman Royce introduced H.R. 3344, the Fraudulent Overseas Recruitment and Trafficking Elimination (FORTE) Act of 2013, legislation that combats the growing problem of international human trafficking.  This year, Chairman Royce launched a Human Trafficking Congressional Advisory Committee (HTCAC), which is comprised of victims’ rights groups, local and federal law enforcement agencies, and community advocates.  HTCAC meets on a monthly basis to address human trafficking concerns, as well as offer policy recommendations.  In May, Chairman Royce convened a Committee hearing to examine local and private sector initiatives to combat international human trafficking. 

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