4th Annual CPAC Summit to Combat Human Trafficking Strengthens Fight Against Modern-Day Slavery

The fight against human trafficking is on.

CPAC’s 4th Annual Summit to Combat Human Trafficking brought together lawmakers, law enforcement officials, advocates, and conservative leaders committed to exposing and defeating one of the greatest evils of our time on Capitol Hill.

There can be no excuses, no silence, and no delay. Every day, vulnerable children and adults are exploited by traffickers, sex offenders, and criminal networks. The urgency to act has never been greater.

“There’s an urgency every day. Every day a child is hurt by a trafficker, a sex trafficker, a pedophile. We can’t stop the fight. The urgency is now,” said CPAC Senior Fellow Mercedes Schlapp.

That urgency drove the conversations that took place at this year’s summit. CPAC is working to ensure that human trafficking remains a national priority and that those responsible for these horrific crimes are identified, prosecuted, and held fully accountable. Elected officials, activists, and survivors joined CPAC at the summit to continue this work.

Congressman Burgess Owens returned to the CPAC Summit to Combat Human Trafficking to stand alongside advocates and leaders committed to protecting victims and confronting modern-day slavery. His participation reflects the importance of building a strong coalition in Congress and across the country to fight trafficking at every level.

CPAC was also honored to present Congressman Russell Fry with the CPAC Gold Standard Ratings Award in recognition of his perfect 100 percent conservative rating. Congressman Fry has demonstrated principled conservative leadership and a strong commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting the most vulnerable. Fry was a major force behind passing the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act.

Providing officers with the stories and experiences of survivors allows law enforcement agencies to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of trafficking cases. "They know their story, and they can pursue the true offenders," Fry emphasized, highlighting the crucial role of survivor testimonies in breaking down trafficking networks and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.

The summit also highlighted the leadership of women who have courageously worked to raise awareness, support survivors, strengthen families, and demand action from government officials.

CPAC Senior Fellow Mercedes Schlapp joined many of these extraordinary women in reaffirming CPAC’s commitment to ending modern-day slavery and defending those who cannot defend themselves.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway underscored the essential role state attorneys general and law enforcement officials play in dismantling trafficking networks.

Congresswoman Lisa McClain (81% CPAC Lifetime Rating) emphasized that we cannot remain silent on modern-day slavery.

"We need to not stay silent because, in my house what I always told my kids, silence is agreement. We cannot stand silent," said McClain.

Similarly, Congressman Riley Moore (94% CPAC rating) advanced that proactive measures prevent the exploitation of individuals, defend human dignity and preserve peace and security..

"Our border policies and human trafficking, they're deeply connected. An open border incentivizes millions of people to come to America while surrendering control of our sovereignty to some of the most dangerous criminal groups on the earth. It inflicts chaos and creates the ideal conditions for human trafficking. A secure and orderly border does the opposite," said Moore.

Holding traffickers accountable begins with leaders like these who are willing to enforce the law, pursue criminals, and ensure justice for victims.

CPAC will continue bringing this fight directly to policymakers, law enforcement officials, and communities across America. Human trafficking thrives when people remain silent. Defeating it requires courage, cooperation, and an unwavering commitment to action.

The fight will not stop until this evil is exposed, its victims are protected, and the traffickers responsible are brought to justice.

Watch footage from the full event on YouTube @CPACPlus. Follow @CPAC on social media for behind the scenes photos and highlights from the Combating Human Trafficking Summit.