WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA) released the following statement after they introduced the Put Trafficking Victims First Act, legislation that encourages state and federal agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors across the country to implement victim-centered approaches to investigating and preventing human trafficking.
“Human trafficking affects communities across the United States, and I am proud to partner with Representative Bass to reintroduce the Put Trafficking Victims First Act. The pandemic has exposed new threats in the fight against trafficking, and this bipartisan legislation would ensure that the Department of Justice is taking the necessary steps to properly identify and respond to trends in human trafficking as well as evaluate the effectiveness of policies to support survivors,” said Congresswoman Wagner. “The House of Representatives passed this bill with overwhelming support last Congress, and I urge its immediate consideration in both the House and Senate.”
“As long as I have served in Congress, I have led bipartisan action on the issue of human trafficking. While we have successfully passed many bills into law, this fight is not over – which is why we are introducing this bill today to ensure that survivors of human trafficking do not go unnoticed,” said Congresswoman Bass. “We have an obligation not only to end human trafficking, but to also support people who undergo these horrific experiences – especially our children. Foster youth and those who run away to avoid abuse often end up homeless and are at high risk of being trafficked. As the co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I will continue to fight for our young people. We cannot allow this to continue. It’s time to put trafficking victims first.”
Background
The Put Trafficking Victims First Act directs the Attorney General to provide training and technical assistance to federal, state, and local governments on investigating and preventing human trafficking through a victim-centered approach that ensures all victims are eligible for the services and restitution they deserve. Additionally, this legislation instructs the Department of Justice to establish an expert working group to identify best practices in determining trends in human trafficking and survey survivors on the most effective manner to increase access to support services.