Kinzinger introduces bill to curb human trafficking

Individuals who purchase or solicit human trafficking services would be targeted to help cut off demand for human trafficking under legislation U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced last week to empower law enforcement to combat those crimes.

The Reducing the Demand for Human Trafficking Act of 2017, H.R. 3488, would amend the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to reduce demand for human trafficking, resulting in fewer victims. Those who support human trafficking by paying for related services would be held accountable under H.R. 3488.

“Millions of men, women and children are trafficked worldwide — into forced labor, the sex trade, or via drug smuggling,” Kinzinger said. “While it’s hard to imagine, this modern-day slavery is happening right here at home. In my district of IL-16, the city of Rockford ranks second in highest cases of trafficking in the state of Illinois.”

Kinzinger introduced the bill with bipartisan support from U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), who said H.R. 3488 would give local and state law enforcers more tools and resources to combat human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is often hidden in plain sight, and today, I’m proud to introduce a bill with my colleagues that seeks to bring to light those who solicit and purchase trafficking services,” Kinzinger added. “Cutting off the demand is one way we can stop the supply, and put an end to trafficking for good.”

U.S. Reps. Patrick Meehan (R-PA) and Michael McCaul (R-TX) were among the bill’s original cosponsors.