I would like to thank everyone for being here. The scourge of Human Trafficking as modernday equivalent of slavery. Eradicating this horrific crime and helping its victims have been a top priority for president Trumps Administration and the department of justice. I think the president for his steadfast commitment to this issue and i thank avoca for her issue for her support and hosting this meeting today. I also thank all of these survivors and their advocates here for their courage and determination to end this evil scourge. In late january, a number of us were here for the white house summit on Human Trafficking. We noted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the trafficking victims protection act. A law that has enabled great progress in this fight. I promise the Justice Department would do everything in our power to stop Human Trafficking and to help survivors port and today im pleased to announce an important step in keeping that promise. The Justice Department is awarding more than 35 million in going to support housing for victims of Human Trafficking. The largest ever federal investment of this kind. These funds will help 73 organizations in 34 states to fill an urgent need of trafficking victims. When survivors are liberated from the nightmare of trafficking, they often face a new challenge. They have nowhere to live. Tragically the trauma of trafficking can give way to new dangers caused by homelessness. And can even result in revictimization by predators. No one should have to endure that heartbreak. Thanks to the funds awarded today and to the devoted organizations including many faithbased organizations using them, survivors of Human Trafficking will be able to count on a safe place to stay. And a real chance to start their lives. The funds will support multiple forms of shortterm Housing Assistance, including housing survivors make rent payments, covering utility bills, or security deposits, or paying living expenses. The three inspiring organizations represented here today will use their grants to help more than 100 people. And the total number people helped across the nation will be in the thousands. These grants, the first ever federal program dedicated exclusively to providing housing for survivors of Human Trafficking, are part of approximately 100 million in total grants that the Department Anticipates awarding this year to combat Human Trafficking. Aside from financial support, the department will continue to use the full force of our laws and our Law Enforcement resources to investigate, prosecute, and punish the people behind this cruel and criminal scourge. I think all of you for your commitment to this righteous cause, and i look forward to hearing from you today. Thank you. Sue maxwell thank you mr. Attorney general. And we all appreciate how passionately youve championed this cause. And been a true warrior for the survivors of Human Trafficking. And for vulnerable populations across the country. Just last week, i was with your cochair of the missing and murdered Cold Case Task force for missing and murdered native american and alaskan american natives. As we open the first of seven offices in minnesota prayed today, the second of these seven is being opened and grand rapids, south dakota. So thank you for your work in advocacy on behalf of those individuals as well. President stated very early in the administration, it was only weeks after he had come to the white house that he would put the full force and waits of this government behind ending Human Trafficking. Arguably that gravest of Human Rights Violations. Since then, the president has signed nine pieces of legislation into law to do exactly that. Funds have also been allocated and really show that this government is prioritizing and putting funds where it matters in the hands of those on the front lines. In addition to the grants will be talking about today, 70 million was added for enhanced prosecution. And 123 million for supporting the state and local governments as they further this work. All of this is over and above what congress had appropriated in the year prior. The housing assistant grants arc aptly critical. The attorney general outlined some of the ways these grants will be used by the great organizations that could be around this table. In addition to 73 from numerous states across the states, 23 million in grants that really being just the beginning. But six to 24 months of housing support, including rent, utilities, critically counseling services, vocational education, and job training services. So many of the wraparound support items necessary to ensure that victims, survivors, can take their place back into society and resume resume their lives in the most supportive fashion possible. The Human Trafficking hotline has articulated the fact that Housing Assistance is the number one need, the Number One Service requested and all of these Human Trafficking related crisis cases. So this is targeting a specific need that has been highlighted for the department of justice. I think it made the need all the more urgent. And many cases, victims find themselves sheltering in place with their traffickers. Without another option. So like with so many other things, covid has really underscored urgent. [inaudible] [no audio. [inaudible] ivanka trump thank you so much. Attorney general bar thank you so much. I have the blessing to walk along side both of these and the president every single day as we work to lift all americans to a real shot at the american dream. The president from day one talked about coming to washington most unlikely and unexpected president having never run for office as a private business and from new york city to fight for all americans, but especially the forgotten men and women of this country. Forgot no more. And as we move forward i think there is no doubt all of you ladies sitting around the table, and general barr, but all of you ladies sitting around the table, we are standing on your shoulders. The work you have done, and continue to do in your homes, back in your states and your cities, you are the real heroes here. And it is just such an inspiring place to be at this white house were we can work alongside you. With general barr, this president to really focus on those americans who need our help. Im astonished why 5 Million People around the world living in modernday slavery. 25000 and america, the United States of america. Most of those women and children since shelter in place the call to the hotlines have gone up 40 . This is a crisis but this is solvable because of all of you who are here today and a behalf of the president and the Vice President , the entire administration, the issue does not drive the headlines, other pictures do. Im not sure there is a more important one than this but especially those who cannot fight for themselves and need a leg up. I am so proud and had official say a few words which i believe this is right we are the First White House to have a fulltime person working on Human Trafficking republican or democrat. Kudos for heather to get up another career as a general barr said this righteous cause and ultimately to help thousands upon thousands of women and children and men caught in this terrible issue. And with that heather please go ahead. Subic thank you for the kind introduction. Im grateful for the leadership of the president , general barr, Senior Advisor trump. That among the most oppressing Human Rights Violations of our time spread im so grateful to all of you for your prioritizing efforts to address this monumental problem. This week parks my eighth week at the white house. Especially advisor for Human Trafficking and im truly privileged be chosen by this president and his administration the folks you see here in this room. The first assume this role within the white house. This year we celebrate 20 years of putting freedom first rate to the signing of the protocol and the passage of the trafficking victims protection act of 2000, together we have a publish so much in the antitrafficking field. But we have much more to do. My charge while the Domestic Policy Council is to work across the various white house conferences and federal interagency to drive forward with the actions laid out for the presence executive order on Human Trafficking and Child ExploitationUnited States. The president signed this executive order on generally 30h , 2020 part housing for their survivors of Human Trafficking is outlined is a priority in this executive order. In 2018 i participated in nationwide Justice Sector initiative designed to increase Human Trafficking investigation prosecutions. We talk to stakeholders and across United States in rural, suburban, urban areas all consistently identified housing for victims and survivors as a top need and gap. Stable and safe housing for survivors of Human Trafficking is a crucial component to overall stability for individuals who are aggressively reclaiming their lives after trafficking experience. Often the lack of adequate housing put survivors of Human Trafficking at risk every exploitation. The efforts of the department of justice to find housing for survivors of Human Trafficking addresses a significant gap in services. Today as ivanka said we celebrate with the department of justice, survivor leaders come ngos as the geo way announces. Ive witnessed firsthand the amazing accomplishments that survivors go on to achieve when they are provided with appropriate services and housing they so deserve. From survivor leaders to Victim Service providers, Law Enforcement, community leaders, healthcare providers, educators, faithbased organizations and government officials, we all have an important part to play in combating Human Trafficking. This is truly an all hands on deck and strategic effort and strategic collaboration is the key. Thank you. Now would like to transition tort ngo providers and survivor leaders around the table for some of their remarks braden first id like to ask lawson from the Jordan CommunityResource Center and Greater Cleveland area to share about their work to provide transitional housing to women in their community. Greetings everyone. I feel honored and privileged today to serve and advocate for women who have been traffic exploited and muted. I didnt traffic as a young adult understand the trauma and shame associated with how you are viewed and sometimes not supported due to false perceptions of who and what you are. Many people asked me where the name jordan comes from. In this context, georgia symbolizes the river people had to cross over to get to canaan. Which represented prosperity and freedom. Whats even more interesting is that the stronger ones had to prepare the way for the others before they can possess their own inheritance. Jordan crc provides a Holistic Service as a means for transformation with love. I accept this grant on behalf of women who are in need of housing, treatment and spiritual support to recover, stabilize, and heal. Not just for themselves but also for their children. We are creating a social enterprise that will not only provide shelter, but jobs and opportunities for advancement. I am grateful and honored to participate in this roundtable with advisor trump, attorney general barr, and others who are here to represent their cause. May you be inspired by each other to affect change by remembering the others who may not know that they have a voice too. Id tell the ladies i speak to today, passion will provide a platform. And with god all things are possible to those who believe. Thank you for this opportunity and the other opportunities to come. Thank you for 16 years of sustained efforts in this area. We are so grateful for your leadership. Next will turn with the opportunity we spoke with also from the Jordan CommunityResource Center. If you wouldnt remind providing few marks as well. Thank you. [inaudible] [inaudible] im not only here for myself, but im also here to represent many voices and many faces. I am a victim of Human Trafficking. I was dehumanized, depraved, tortured, beaten, starved, threatened by knifepoint. If i did not do what they commanded me to it do. I was given drugs and became addicted. The fear and shame of my addiction kept me separated for my family and children. I was in a cycle of helplessnes helplessness, living on the streets homeless and addicted and lost of hope of regaining my life back. I was admitted into Human Trafficking court. This is where my life began to show hope. I asked to go to the jordan house or recovery. I was amazed that i was over maze that i received so much more. I received love and compassion. In a safe stable environment where i could build myself from my foundation to an example of what jordan had to offer. I became a senior here to guide and love. The other ones coming up after me. I have a peers support certificate. I am studying to be a mentor for the court system. I have associate degree in service. I am grateful for this opportunity. Thank you very much. Thank you ccp hardware can supporting other women in the cleveland area. We are so grateful to you for sharing your time here today. We also welcome julia thomas, ceo from alternatives for schools for girls in detroit michigan. Look for to hearing more about the programs provide stable housing, counseling, educational opportunities, job readiness and life skills training homeless women the age of 15 to 22 and their children. And i turn it over to you. Alternative for girls was founded 33 years ago. We are committed to helping homeless girls and women avoid violence and exploitation. Were helping them to explore and access resources, supports , and opportunities to grow strong and to make positive choices for their life. We do this through three areas of service. Outreach, shelter, and prevention. In 2019 alternatives for girls served almost 6000 girls and women who are street based outreach and the other services. We participate with Law Enforcement and Human Trafficking and then provide services to girls and women who are liberated in those areas. We provide Domestic Violence intervention, safety, counseling, and a range of services to runaway and Homeless Youth as well as working with high risk girls in the school age level to help them stay in school. To provide leadership and support to their peers. And to gain for college and careers that will stay ahead of the times. Michigan has a population of over 9 Million People. And almost 7 of them live in the city of detroit. 52 of detroiters are women. And 25 of them are youth under the age of 18. Last year, just under 2000 detroiters were counted as experiencing homelessness. And come across michigan total of 364 cases of Human Trafficking were reported. But we know thats it under reported accounts. Absolutely know that. We also know that metropolitan detroit is an epicenter across michigan and in the midwest for Human Trafficking. Especially trafficking. We recognize there are intersections between homelessness and Human Trafficking. Our experience demonstrates that affordable housing, along with a range of other supports are key components for strengthening the numbers of girls and women overcoming, not just the trauma of trafficking and the full range of challenges that we face in her Detroit Community we are grateful to use her and to President Trump for your work in this area. We are tremendously grateful for this award from the u. S. Department of Justice Office of victims of crime. To house many children and women whove experienced Human Trafficking and proved to provide support to help and get to the path on healing, thriving, and becoming pure leaders themselves and contributing members to our community. It will have a tremendous impact on girls, women in detroit who need us thank you silly we appreciate all of your efforts not just housing we appreciate it next like to ask hernandez, to share about her work in miami and a number of areas and if you wouldnt mind giving a few comments would appreciate it. Absolutely and i want to echo the gratitude to be invited to be run the table to have an opportunity to share jordan and certainly all these courageous survivors are on the table but the expense of serving in impacting committed people. We have been offering housing and services in Miamidade County for 60 years but we provide on a daily basis between 1100 men, women, children, Residential Services from emergency housing, transitional Treatment Programs, albeit a permanent housing. Among the special populations we serve include veterans, unaccompanied Homeless Youth, youth aging out of foster care, the mentally ill, and in particular the survivors of Human Trafficking. Florida ranks third in the nation of Human Trafficking cases. And Miamidade County, where we live, is the biggest trafficking hub in florida. Probably not surprisingly because we are as auteur of some base and tourism drives a lot of Human Trafficking for sexual exploitation. And in particular because we have a lot of great events like the super bowl that also brings a lot of movement into our community. The camilla house phoenix project, project venus offers a 60 bed rest until Treatment Program for adult victims of Human Trafficking. We know that adult victims of Human Trafficking are more often than not minor children who were human trafficked and eventually became adults and continue to be trafficked. And tragically hadnt horrible circumstance. Our clients, many come but the most referrals come from Law Enforcement. They come from Homeland Security for the cover of the state Attorneys Office. In other state agencies. They provide we provide a resource for Law Enforcement to provide safe shelter to many survivors who are also going to be victim witnesses. Trying to stop the cycle by taking the courageous act of actually testifying against their traffickers. Very scary situation for many of the women we serve extremely frightening. In fact it was through Law Enforcement and are fantastic survivors, a. J. Came to us. Thirtytwo years old attorney by the state Attorneys Office had a child hood to comment among survivors but she was in and out of foster care. She was suffering from major the oppression, cocaine addiction as a result of being exploited in several states in the age of 18. She reported being repeatedly physically abused by her trafficker. Through counseling, management, Supportive Services, she is clean, graduate for Culinary Arts Program we provided our campus, and is currently a manager in trading at a local restaurant. Were excited about that. And importantly, after 17 months of Supportive Services through our rapid rehousing program, she was placed in permanent housing in the community. Like a. J. , there are numerous similar stories among survivors we have served for d. C. Was traffic for over two years with a minimum quota to make 500. Night or else. The trafficker repeatedly also physically abused her. By the time she arrived at Phoenix House through a referral from Homeland Security, in addition to her opioid addiction, like many survivors, she suffered from ptsd. Posttraumatic stress disorder. After seven months with us, getting clean, obtaining her ged, getting a job, she was also able to move into her own apartment. In fact, im very proud to say that 70 of the survivors will go through the phoenix project since theyve open, we open our doors into thousand 15, have moved into stable housing. Phoenix is a Program Designed to meet the needs of the survivors pray sometimes its as simple as just letting them sleep, believe it or not. More often its helping them overcome the trauma they experienced. Our survivors come to a suffering from tsd, major depression, Anxiety Disorders and substance abuse. They have no place to go and many times, and very sadly going home is not an option. I can tell you more about the evidencebased models that we use, the therapeutic activities that we offer, everything from yogurt to zumba. At the end of the day come the simple act of providing these survivors a safe shelter is the most important thing we can do. Especially those that have been victim witnesses. We need a safe place to stay while they wait to go to court and face her trafficker. We are immensely grateful for the department of justice to allow us to provide these muchneeded services to countless more survivors. We appreciate the opportunity to join this roundtable with ag bar and advisor trump to hear about other like jordan house and to hear the courageous stories of our survivors. We thank you very much for miami, the survivors you will be helping in the future thanks to your support. Thank you. I special to thank you for your collaboration with the u. S. Attorneys office in Homeland Security investigations. Especially charged offices but its really making an office the difference a task force there. Youre doing more than just next like to introduce my dear kollek. Im so grateful you could be here today, tommy is a member of the u. S. Advisory council on Human Trafficking and the founder of identifiable needs, we welcome your comments today. Thank you to the white house, advisor trump. In the u. S. Department of justice, attorney general barr. For inviting me to it speak and hosting so i want to take a moment to express my gratitude to this administration for continuing to support the United StatesAdvisory Council and even trafficking for it you know, the council is composed of Human Trafficking survivors who advise the federal government on ways improve antitrafficking programs and policies. We, as a counsel are grateful for the partnerships foraged with federal agencies come in to put it simply the meaningful and actionable conversation we have been able to have with those agencies that make up the president s Interagency Task force to monitor combat trafficking in person. So this is my second term on the council. In the last two years, this administration has listened to us, ask great questions, and put into practice what we said thank you again to the white house into this administration for hearing, for honoring, and for empowering survivor voices. Throughout my experience my voice held no value i wasnt protected as a young person should be. My hope, my aspiration, my personal visions for my future was of no concern to my trafficker. So personally, this experience to be heard if you feel valued has help me advance for my own past and i am forever grateful. Your ongoing support for this council provides a model to the world on how to be victim centered, we talk often about what it means to be victim centered, trauma informed, and survived. Thank you. So about housing. Im going to take you for a quick moment into my shoes. I was actually here in d. C. When a buyer kidnapped me and i was able to get away from him. And when i got away from him i had no one to turn to. I was on my own. Any Law Enforcement officer actually picked me up and paid my way home. I was on a bus. I remember passing this white house and a very rural area. And on the bus and i look out to my rights theres all this green grass and trees and white house that was abandoned. And i remember thinking, i wish there was a place i could just go to rest, learn about myself and start over again. And at that thought i said i promise that if i get out of this situation, i will do something about it. So sitting here today, being a part of this is definitely a 360. Thank you very much. [inaudible] housing as you can imagine this in a more just need for survivors of all color, gender, ages. Im sorry to do. [inaudible] subic immediately following the trafficking experience, we need a safe periods where no one needs anything from us because so much has been taken. In the days, weeks, and months following we need homes and assistance that provide holistic approaches to care not only immediate and longterm Housing Needs but also Mental Health and independent needs as well. We need homes that do not just focus on jobs in quick turnarounds. But truly give us a safe space in time to learn, to heal, to rebuild, and under value purposes in life. We need homes and supports with trained staff and trauma. And survivor practices to help with the traffickers and buyers did to us. And the council 2020 report we call the agencies to prioritize the Housing Needs of not only survivors, but also their families as a part of the two generation approach. For survivors who have experiencing trafficking and have children they are raising. We also called upon federal agencies to increase services and assistance to under served in underreporting population such as those who identify as lb gtq communities. It also are black and brown communities. These survivors face additional hurdles and have even more limited access to services and Housing Assistance. Housing assistance and services are not targeted enough or individualized to their specific needs. Theyre often misconceptions about housing and access to services as well as stigma associated with them with using them. And the truth is that many survivors feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. We hide. We hide from those who harmed us. We also hide those who are meant to help us. The call upon federal agencies to understand and address these complexities. To promote trauma informed practices and Housing Assistance in commit resources to assure housing assess ability to all survivors of trafficking. Thank you again for including the council to this roundtable. Thank you for your continued support of the council and for listening to our recommendation on Housing Assistance for survivors. And thank you. Thank you so much for your courageous leadership. We are so pleased to be able to partner with you on the other councilmembers as we continue to drive forward our administrations priorities on Human Trafficking. With that alternate back over to a. J. Ba rr. I just like to thank all of you for participating in this session this afternoon. You are very grateful for your leadership. In tackling this critical issue. Its leaders like you that you so much for victims that frankl frankly, inspire us. They inspire us at the Justice Department to redouble our efforts and move forward shoulder to shoulder with partners like you. So once again thank you for coming telling us your organization the importance of this issue. The importance of this grant money and providing housing for victims and survivors. We look forward to continuing this together. Thank you mr. Attorney general. In thank you. [inaudible] the tremendous work being done on this front. To nisha had mentioned that victims are trafficked, they are exploited, but they are also muted. This president said he would be the voice for the voiceless. And the work thats being done by so many, including incredible survivors. In thank you so much for sharing a bit about your story. It gives a voice to many. And you represent at beacon of hope for so many as well. This is a great day in that these grants will undoubtedly, it will be cured the stories of the organizations and how many people they have assisted in such a meaningful and tangible ways. These funds will undoubtably be used very well to uplift many across this nation. And this really is the beginning. Because this president , the department of justice, the white house whole administration, are fully committed to ending trafficking and modernday slavery once and for all. So thank you for lending your important voice in perspective to this discussion. And we look forward to being with you all again in the future as we take steps forward. So thank you, thank you so much, thank you heather. My great colic is doing an amazing job for us at the dpc. Thank you. Thank you all. [background noises] [background noises] [background noises] [background noises] [background noises] brought to today by your television provider. Postmaster general lewis to joy will testify before congress is week and next week on u. S. Postal Service Operations during the coronavirus pandemic in the 2020 election, we will have first on 9 00 a. M. Eastern before the Governmental Affairs committee, live coverage on cspan, then on monday he testifies before the House Oversight and reform committee, watch that lie beginning antennae and eastern on cspan2, you can also view both hearings online at cspan. Org or listen live with the free cspan radio app. Weeknights this month we are featuring book tv programs is a preview of whats available every weekend on cspan2 we begin with the university of california berkeley law professor and former Deputy Assistant attorney general and the george w. Bush of administration john you who waited on president ial powers in the u. S. Constitution, then Princeton University history professor julian explores the political and ascendancy of former speaker of the house and argue that his congressional leadership was the beginning of americas hyper partisan divide, Newt Gingrich offered his thoughts on my President Trump should be reelected in 2020, enjoy book tv on cspan2. Next on big tvs after word words, john you, university of california berkeley law professor and former depth under Deputy Assistant general and the george w. Bush of administration ways in on president ial powers in the constitution, he is interviewed by mark roselle, author and founding dean of George Mason University school of policy and government. After words is a legally Interview Program with relevant guest host interviewing top nonfiction authors about their latest work, all after words programs are also available as podcasts. John, thank you for taking this opportunity to discuss your new book, im delighted by the opportunity to ask some questions about it i just rea