Representatives Kamlager-Dove, Wagner, and Fitzpatrick Introduce Legislation to Support Survivors of Human Trafficking
Contact:
Madison.andrus@mail.house.gov
Representatives Kamlager-Dove, Wagner, and Fitzpatrick Introduce Legislation to Support Survivors of Human Trafficking
WASHINGTON, DC— Today, U.S. Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ann Wagner (MO-02), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced the Put Trafficking Victims First Act which would assess the prevalence of human trafficking in the United States and improve support for survivors.
The Put Trafficking Victims First Act would compel the Department of Justice to improve the collection of data on incidences of human trafficking, report on efforts to develop methodologies to determine prevalence of human trafficking, and survey survivors to gain insight into the prevalence of human trafficking. The Put Trafficking Victims First Act would also require the Department of Justice to survey survivors on ways to improve services and report of efforts to increase restitution for survivors.
“Every day, we know that hundreds of people are forced into modern-day slavery right here in the United States. That is just the tip of the iceberg. The Put Trafficking Victims First Act will give us much-needed insight into the scope of human trafficking in the U.S. and ensure that survivors are given the support they need,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “We have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us; our children, our recent immigrants, and our poor Black and brown women. I’m proud to stand by survivors in this bipartisan effort to end the practice of human trafficking.”
“January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and sadly, the United States falls woefully short on identifying the true scope of this pervasive crime. This is absolutely unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Wagner. “Every time a human trafficking case isn’t properly identified, another victim remains trapped in a cycle of exploitation. My bipartisan legislation, the Put Trafficking Victims First Act, will direct the Attorney General to take action to correct this glaring deficiency and enhance support for survivors. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this commonsense bill and to ensure the federal government is doing everything in its power to combat sex trafficking in our communities.”
“Human trafficking is no longer exclusively an issue abroad; this heinous crime occurs right here at home and affects communities across the country. The Put Trafficking Victims First Act would compel the Department of Justice to fully take the necessary action to identify and address human trafficking operations, while giving needed support to survivors,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “We have a solemn obligation to protect our communities and put an end to human trafficking, and I’m proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan legislation.”
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