U.S. Reps. David Valadao (R-CA) and Laurel Lee (R-FL) have joined forces with a bipartisan group of colleagues to form a new congressional caucus dedicated to combating human trafficking through legislation, prevention efforts, and stronger coordination among law enforcement.
Reps. Valadao and Lee serve as co-chairs of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus alongside U.S. Reps. Troy Carter (D-LA) and Lucy McBath (D-GA), ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime.
“Human trafficking is a devastating crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our Central Valley communities, and while there’s no silver bullet solution, there are actions we can take to fight back,” Rep. Valadao said. “I’m proud to launch the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus to strengthen support for victims and survivors, improve coordination across federal, state, and local partners, and hold traffickers accountable.”
Among the caucus’s priorities are advancing evidence-based prevention programs, supporting federal agency efforts to disrupt trafficking financial networks, promoting coordination among federal, state, and local partners ahead of large-scale events, and protecting youth through online safety safeguards and accountability for platforms that facilitate exploitation.
“Throughout my time in Congress, I have introduced and supported legislation focused on protecting victims and strengthening the tools law enforcement needs to stop traffickers,” Rep. Lee said. “I look forward to continuing that work through this caucus and advancing policies that help protect vulnerable individuals and bring traffickers to justice.”
Rep. McBath emphasized the need for sustained legislative action. “Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that demands sustained action at every level of government,” she said. “Through this caucus, we will work to raise public awareness, advance meaningful legislation, and coordinate closely with federal agencies, advocates, and community partners to confront this crime wherever it occurs.”
Sheriff Dave Putnam of Kings County, California, whose county has been directly impacted by trafficking, welcomed the caucus. “Human trafficking is far more widespread than many realize and often goes unreported,” he said. “I’m grateful to the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus for taking meaningful action to fight back.”
The caucus has drawn support from more than 20 organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Hotel and Lodging Association, Polaris, Kids in Need of Defense, and Street Grace.