Congressman Paul Cook's Newsletter: March 24, 2015

Sex Slavery Trade in U.S. Demands Action by Congress: By Congressman Cook

There are over 30 million people trapped in the $150 billion market for sex slavery and slave labor. Most chilling, child sex trafficking is a billion dollar industry, and there are as many as 300,000 American children at risk of being sold into slavery. This epidemic is a tragedy and must be addressed on a national level.

I’ve made it a priority in the 114th Congress to address this issue head on. Bipartisan work will not only strengthen our current laws to crack down on those who fuel the trafficking industry, but also provide protection and much-needed services to victims of trafficking, especially children.

The combination of bills, which passed through the House of Representatives early this year, forms a multi-faceted response to the human trafficking industry. HR 181, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, will streamline law-enforcement resources, create programs and grants to restore the lives of victims, and strengthen the laws for prosecuting perpetrators engaged in sex trafficking.

I voted for HR 357, the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, to improve the training for State Department officials relating to human trafficking and voted for HR 460, the Human Trafficking Detection Act, to ensure that Department of Homeland Security personnel are trained to detect and prevent these horrible crimes.

It’s also critically important that we have programs in place to protect victims of these heinous crimes. HR 468, the Enhancing Services for Runaway and Homeless Victims for Youth Trafficking Act, will improve services for youth who are victims of trafficking, including street-based strategies and grants. HR 159, the Stop Exploitation through Trafficking Act, provides a way for victims to access skills training so that victims can start to rebuild their lives. I’m proud to support both bills.

As we implement comprehensive plans to combat sex trafficking in the United States, we must also address this issue on an international level. I supported HR 515, the International Megan’s Law to Prevent Demand for Child Sex Trafficking, which encourages the use of bilateral agreements to provide advance notice of travel by registered child sex-offenders outside and inside the United States.

While these bills are significant steps toward combating human trafficking and slavery, there is still more work to be done. I urge my colleagues in the United States Senate to stop delaying these important votes.

As a father and grandfather, I find the continued existence of human trafficking, especially child slavery, within the United States absolutely deplorable. Our country leads the free world, and so too must we lead the way in abolishing these disgusting criminal enterprises and in helping victims rebuild their lives.

This op-ed first appeared in the San Bernardino Sun on March 19, 2015. It can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/1xjx6Py

Calling All High School Students!

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, more than 700,000 high school students have been involved with this nationwide competition.

The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in the 8th District. Students will work through the art teachers at their high school to submit works to the competition. The winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for one year. In addition, second place will be displayed in Congressman Cook’s Capitol Office, and the third place selection will be on display in the Apple Valley District Office.

All artwork must be submitted by April 10, 2015. Art work entered in the contest may be up to 28 inches by 28 inches (including the frame) and may be up to 4 inches in depth.

The submission may be:
Paintings - including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
Drawings - including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers
Collage
Prints - including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
Mixed Media
Computer Generated Art
Photography

All entries must be an original in concept, design, and execution.

If you would like more information on the annual Congressional District Art Competition, please contact Cameron Wessel (Cameron.Wessel@mail.house.gov) in Congressman Cook’s District Office at 760-247-1815.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

On Saturday, March 21, 2015, Congressman Cook threw out the first pitch at the American Little League Opening Day Ceremony at Sunset Ridge Park in Victorville. Many thanks to everyone who organized the event, the teams, and a special thanks to the Victor Valley High School California Cadet Corps for providing the color guard.

Yucaipa Students Visit Washington

The City of Yucaipa was well represented in Washington last week. Congressman Cook met with students from Mesa View Middle School, Yucaipa High School, Competitive Edge Charter Academy, Inland Leaders Charter School, and Park View Middle School. Their questions ranged from concerns about the threat of ISIS to how they can be more involved in their communities.

Hesperia Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Locals

Last Monday, the Hesperia Chamber of Commerce met to present their annual awards. Congressman Cook wishes to congratulate Advanced Disposal for Business of the Year, Shannon Shannon for Business Person of the Year, David Penn for Hesperian of the Year, Jack Brown, recipient of the Gil Zank Award, Craig and Karen Sundgren, recipients of the Legacy Award, and Sandra Ganis for receiving the President’s Award.

Doris Davis Park is Now Open

On Thursday, Congressman Cook’s staff attended the ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the Doris Davis Park in Victorville. The new park includes an outdoor gym as well as many other amenities for the family! Funding was made possible by a grant from Kaiser and St. Joseph's Health System.

50th Vietnam Veterans’ Commemoration Ceremony

The Fort Irwin 50 Commemoration Committee is hosting a “50th Vietnam Veterans Commemoration” Ceremony at the National Training Center on April 18, 2015. The main ceremony beings at 11:45AM. Included in this tribute to our Vietnam Veterans is lunch, static displays, vendors, and a semi-formal dinner.

Times are subject to change, please visit www.irwin.army.mil for the most updated schedule of events. If you plan to attend, please register by calling 760-686-8266.

VA Works to Expand Choice Program Eligibility

One of the current eligibility criteria for the Veterans Choice Program is based on the distance calculation using the straight line distance from a Veteran’s home to the nearest VA medical facility. Under VA’s plan for expansion, this criterion will change to the driving distance calculation between the Veteran’s home and the nearest VA medical facility.

For example: Under the new distance calculation, a Veteran who lives less than 40 miles, straight line distance, from the nearest VA medical facility, but who needs to physically drive more than 40 miles to get there would be eligible for the Veterans Choice Program. Under the previous straight line distance calculation, this Veteran would not be eligible for the Program unless they were waiting for an appointment longer than 30-days from their preferred date or the date determined to be medically necessary by their physician.

VA is expanding the eligibility determination in order to increase Veterans access to high quality, timely healthcare. VA looks forward to continued collaboration with Veterans and our partners to ensure the success of the Veterans Choice Program.

 For more additional information or questions, please contact Merlene in Congressman Cook’s Apple Valley District Office at 760-247-1815.