I sent a generated email, sponsored by Sojourners I think or something like it that I get a regular email from, to Senator Feinstein regarding human trafficking. I received a response from her (below). I decided to reply and at this point the email bounced back, so I will likely have to find a new site or just let this public letter to her be enough. My letter and her response are below.

My Letter:

Dear Senator,
Thank you for your response. I signed a petition to join others in your constituency to let you know of an issue of concern. I appreciate the efforts you have made on this issue thus far.

I would encourage you to do more about this than to work it on the Senate level. Policy is an important aspect to eradicating such despicable human abuses; however advocacy goes well beyond policy making. I would encourage you to sit down with those in your state who have been rescued from such a life. Please also sit down with those who are doing something about this issue globally. Your endorsement of organizations seeking to eradicate human trafficking will be powerful.

Please take your efforts beyond pen and pencil if you are not already doing so. Please let the smiles of the rescued and even of the abused bring joy to your heart personally. Please let the pain of mothers and children world-wide strike you as well. Live in solidarity with them.

Thank you again for your efforts and thanks for your time.

Her Letter:

Thank you for writing to express your concerns regarding sex
tourism and the international trafficking of women and children for
sexual purposes. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the
opportunity to respond.

I share your concerns about this issue. I am shocked and appalled
that the trafficking of women and children continues to this day. As a
country which holds individual liberty and basic human rights as
fundamental principles, the United States should actively take a stand
against and combat the trafficking of women and children.

As a mother and a grandmother, I firmly believe that every child
should have the opportunity to grow up in a safe, healthy, and stable
environment, and like you, I am very concerned about the prevalence of
child pornography both in this country and abroad. Sexual exploitation
of children is simply unacceptable, and those individuals who commit
these acts should be punished to the full extent of the law.

In April 2003, Congress passed the PROTECT Act,
strengthening penalties against sex tourists and outlawing sexual
relations abroad between U.S. citizens and any person under the age of
16, as well as commercial sexual relations with individuals under the age
of 18, even if local laws do not prohibit such acts. In addition, in
December 2005 the Senate passed the Trafficking Victims Protection
Reauthorization Act of 2005 by unanimous consent, to establish
rehabilitation programs for victims of human trafficking and reinforce
global prevention measures. Please know I will continue to work hard in
the United States Senate to bring an end to human trafficking and the
sexual exploitation of children around the world.

Again, thank you for writing. I hope you will continue to keep
me informed of your views and concerns. If you should have any further
questions, please do not hesitate to call my Washington, D.C. staff at
(202) 224-3841.

Sincerely yours,

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

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