It's a sad day for American when a small group of very determined activists are dominating the awards ceremony.

Prostitution is the driving force behind sex trafficking. The demand fuels the industry. The U.S. must address the demand side of the equation if there is going to be success in combating the problem.

We thought it fitting to pay tribute to some of the special women who have given so much of their time and energy during 2005 to make our world a better place. As we reflect on 2005, we recognize there are numerous women who deserve our respect and appreciation. Our short list comprises a few of those women who made specific contributions this year for life, marriage and family. Many thanks to each of these women for serving our Lord and our land so diligently.

This bill has the potential to end sex trafficking.

Human trafficking is a growing reality in the United States and the Senate's action is an important step in fighting it. This new law not only strengthens the current trafficking law, it also grants additional funds to help prosecute sex trafficking offenders and offers protection to victims of this heinous crime.

It's not because women don't have 'the right stuff.' Women are very tough mentally. But the best-trained women still can't keep up with the best-trained men physically. If we're putting men in harm's way, we owe them battle colleagues who are just as strong as they are.