America's children deserve support and protection. Children follow our example, and we must create a better environment for them today so they can succeed in the future. Our communities need to be safer, and I believe Congress can help to enforce the law, and reduce drugs and crimes in our neighborhoods.
As a mother, I am deeply concerned that more children are being placed in foster care due to parents' drug abuse. The opioid epidemic is creating a devastating impact on young, innocent lives, because addictive drugs prevent parents from focusing on the development and well-being of children. This year Congress enacted funding for the Administration for Children and Families, which will provide mental health and substance abuse treatment for newborns dependent on opioids due to their parents' drug addictions.
In addition to drug abuse, other types of crime pose a threat to our children and families. Human trafficking is a worldwide epidemic affecting Missouri's highways and neighborhoods. This legislative session I introduced and passed the Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act, giving local law enforcement access to federal grants for investigating and arresting traffickers. Secondly, I have promoted measures targeting the causes to human trafficking. I recently supported my colleague's bill, the Preventing Child Exploitation Act of 2018, to eliminate a current loophole in the law that prevents predators from being charged with child pornography.
The Constitution recognizes three fundamental rights, including the right to life. Our laws should be designed and enforced to protect our rights, especially the lives of children who cannot defend or speak for themselves. I believe federal grants, which empower doctors to assist children and police officers to enforce the law, are necessary for keeping our communities safe. As I plan for Congress to continue passing reforms that protect and improve the lives of children, I humbly ask that you take my part in my campaign to support these efforts.
Onward,
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