U.S. Reps. David Valadao (R-CA) and Mike Turner (R-OH) on Feb. 5 unveiled bipartisan legislation that aims to end human trafficking in federal government contracting.
“The United States has a zero-tolerance policy for human trafficking, yet recent reports make it clear that federal agencies are failing to take meaningful action to prevent trafficking in government contracts,” Rep. Valadao said. “I’m proud to introduce this bill, which will ensure contractors have anti-trafficking compliance plans in place and guarantee that when violations occur, there are consequences.
“American taxpayers should never be complicit in human trafficking, and this legislation takes critical steps to prevent that from happening,” he added.
Rep. Valadao sponsored the Ensuring Accountability and Dignity in Government Contracting Act of 2025, H.R. 1036, alongside three original cosponsors, including Rep. Turner and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL).
“The U.S. government must ensure that taxpayer dollars are never tied to human trafficking,” said Rep. Turner, adding that the bill “strengthens enforcement, closes oversight gaps, and holds contractors accountable — because zero tolerance must mean zero tolerance.”
If enacted, the proposed bill would require contractors to provide anti-trafficking compliance plans for covered contracts to contracting officers, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers, and would expand and strengthen the current contractor certification requirements.
Additionally, H.R. 1036 would direct the Office of Management and Budget to assess and report on the feasibility of enhancing government anti-trafficking efforts by amending relevant laws for contractor compliance assessments, streamlining reporting processes, and mandating training for contracting personnel.
Among other provisions, the bill also would require the Inspector General to investigate all credible information about potential human trafficking violations, including when recipients report it and indicate they have taken actions to address it, the summary says.
U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and James Lankford (R-OK) on Feb. 5 introduced the identical S. 426 in the Senate.