Blumenthal and Portman Welcome Support from Hewlett-Packard For the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act
The multinational tech company joins growing movement in support of narrowly-tailored legislation to stop online sex trafficking
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Ahead of a hearing tomorrow on the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Rob Portman (R-OH) welcomed support for their legislation from Hewlett-Packard, one of the world’s largest information technology companies.
“Hewlett-Packard grew out of a one-car garage into a multinational tech giant. This is a company that understands what real barriers to innovation look like – and our narrowly tailored legislation isn’t it. We welcome Hewlett-Packard’s support for our bipartisan bill, and look forward to working together to close a loophole in the law that has allowed online sex traffickers to escape justice for far too long,” Blumenthal and Portman said. “With growing support for this legislation and tomorrow’s hearing, momentum is building for this important legislation.”
The full text of Hewlett-Packard’s letter of support is below:
Dear Senators Portman and Blumenthal:
On behalf of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, I am writing to express our support for S. 1693, the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act of 2017. Your legislation will help bring justice to victims and their families and protect vulnerable women and children.
As an industry-leading, global technology company that has long taken a stand against forced labor and human trafficking, and has made it a priority to protect and elevate vulnerable worker groups, we believe the technology sector has a responsibility to help policymakers and law enforcement combat illicit and criminal activity on the internet, especially sex trafficking.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise views engagement with stakeholders and public advocacy as integral aspects of its overall strategy to address the risks of forced labor and human trafficking. We often share our experiences and the challenges associated with combatting these issues in our supply chain at conferences and other public forums. The goal is to raise awareness, help other companies build an internal business case for action on trafficking, and advance wider stakeholder dialogue about how we can collaborate on meaningful actions.
To that end, please let me know how my team and I can be of assistance as you seek consensus to move this important legislation forward.
Thank you for your leadership, and we stand ready to work with you and your colleagues to enact this important bill.
Sincerely,
John F. Schultz