Wagner unveils bipartisan bill to improve services to human trafficking victims

U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) on Jan. 25 introduced the bipartisan Put Trafficking Victims First Act of 2021, which would promote a trauma-informed, evidence-based, and victim-centered approach to providing services for victims of human trafficking.

Specifically, H.R. 6479, which Rep. Wagner cosponsored alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), would authorize funds to be used for training for prosecutions of traffickers and support for state services for victims of trafficking; to develop methodologies to assess the prevalence of human trafficking; and to encourage states to adopt protections for victims of trafficking, according to the text of the bill.

“Human trafficking affects communities across the United States,” Rep. Wagner said. “I am proud to partner with Representative Bass to reintroduce the Put Trafficking Victims First Act.” 

If enacted, the legislation also would task the U.S. Department of Justice with establishing an expert working group to identify best practices for determining trends in human trafficking and to survey survivors on the most effective ways to increase access to support services, the bill summary says.

“The pandemic has exposed new threats in the fight against trafficking, and this bipartisan legislation would ensure that the Department of Justice is taking the necessary steps to properly identify and respond to trends in human trafficking as well as evaluate the effectiveness of policies to support survivors,” said Rep. Wagner, who noted that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill during the previous session of Congress. “I urge its immediate consideration in both the House and Senate.”

H.R. 6479 has been referred to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee and to the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee for consideration.

“We have an obligation not only to end human trafficking, but to also support people who undergo these horrific experiences, especially our children,” said Rep. Bass. “Foster youth and those who run away to avoid abuse often end up homeless and are at high risk of being trafficked. We cannot allow this to continue. It’s time to put trafficking victims first.”