The House of Representatives approved a number of bills with bipartisan support last week that would take steps to combat human trafficking and protect victims.
Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) said human trafficking around the world, including trafficking within the United States, has reached “crisis levels,” according to a press release.
“But by working with the experts that are on the ground, fighting every day to protect victims, we can improve the ability of law enforcement and aid workers to get these victims the help they need and put perpetrators of trafficking schemes behind bars,” Meehan said. “These bills – like the bills passed by the House in May – streamline federal efforts to fight trafficking and help get vital aid to the victims.”
The Enhancing Services for Runaway and Homeless Victims of Youth Trafficking Act, which was co-sponsored by Meehan, would fund training for aid workers who assist runaway and homeless youth victims of human trafficking.
“Some 300,000 children will be trafficked this year worldwide,” Meehan said. “I’m glad so many Republicans and Democrats were able to work together to put a dent in this crisis.”
The Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act, meanwhile, would bolster adoption incentives to help get children out of the foster care program and would help states enforce international child support rulings.
Additionally, the Human Trafficking Prevention, Intervention and Recovery Act would help federal and state agencies better detect trafficking and improve the grant system for survivor shelters.