June 3, 2015

Today Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s First District spoke on the House Floor to mark the two year anniversary of the Blue Lightning Initiative. Led by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation, this program trains airline personnel to identify potential traffickers and victims of human trafficking.  Below are her remarks: 

“This week marks the second anniversary of the Blue Lightning Initiative, a DHS and DOT program to equip airline personnel with the tools to identify and save victims of human trafficking. 

“I represent Las Vegas which attracts more than 42 million visitors every year. As a premier global destination, we are sadly all too familiar with the impact of this heinous crime. 

“Clearly we must engage in an all-hands-on-deck approach to identify and apprehend traffickers, which includes our airline personnel who are on the front line.  

“That’s why I’m introducing legislation to ensure all our airlines take on this challenge and close off the skies to those engaged in this modern day slavery. 

“Human trafficking is not the only issue that’s facing our aviation industry, so I’ll be hosting industry leaders from across the country at an Aviation Symposium in my District next week to discuss how we can work together to strengthen our nation’s aviation, create new job opportunities, and foster economic growth.   

“I yield back.”