U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), whose home state has one of the higher trafficking rates in the nation, on Jan. 10 reintroduced the bipartisan Reducing the Demand for Human Trafficking Act of 2019.
H.R. 467 would amend the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to encourage a victim-centered approach to combating human trafficking, among other purposes, according to the congressional record.
“I’m proud to re-introduce a bill that would bring to light those who solicit and purchase trafficking services,” Rep. Kinzinger said last week. “By cutting off the demand, we can stop the supply, and take one more step towards ending human trafficking for good.”
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), the original cosponsor of H.R. 467, said there were 193 human trafficking cases reported in Illinois in 2017.
“One is too many; nearly 200 is unacceptable,” she said.
Rep. Kinzinger noted that in his Illinois district, the city of Rockford ranks second in the state for having the highest sex trafficking numbers.
“And the daily numbers are devastating and deeply disturbing,” the congressman added.
H.R. 467 would help reduce the demand for human trafficking by seeking out the criminals who purchase or solicit such services and hold them accountable, he said.
“It’s hard to imagine this modern day slavery is happening here at home, but it is,” Rep. Kinzinger said. “Human trafficking is a heinous crime and it’s often hidden in plain sight.”
If enacted, H.R. 467 would authorize the Attorney General to prioritize grant funding applications to a state or local law enforcement agency that plans to use funds in part “to assist in strengthening efforts to reduce demand for human trafficking through the investigation and prosecution of persons who solicit or purchase commercial sex,’’ according to the bill’s text.
Rep. Kinzinger introduced the same-named H.R. 3488 in July 2017. This session’s H.R. 467 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.