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Smith’s Trafficking Bill Passes House, |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, The House of Representatives passed Rep. Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) of 2005 (HR 972), legislation that strengthens the nation’s current trafficking law (also authored by Smith) and authorizes new funds for investigation and prosecution of domestic trafficking within the United States. The TVPRA ensures that the “Five years ago, when Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, the United States assumed a leadership role in combating the modern day slavery known as human trafficking,” said Smith who was the author of that landmark trafficking law (Public Law 106-386). “The 2005 Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act provides law enforcement with the tools necessary to continue liberate the unfortunate women and children who are forced into this horror.” Each year, an estimated 600,000-800,000 people are trafficked across international borders. It is estimated that millions more are trafficked internally within the borders of countries. In the past four years, twice as many people in the Smith’s bill reauthorizes appropriations for anti-trafficking programs in the “With a crime as abhorrent as human trafficking, it is essential that the United States takes the lead and that includes within our own borders,” said Smith, whose original law was recently the focus of a Lifetime miniseries starring Mira Sorvino entitled “Human Trafficking.” “The UN must take a stand and act to adopt a binding uniform code of conduct for all peacekeeping personnel,” said Smith, who also noted that the UN needs to put in place a comprehensive plan for victim assistance. “Actions speak louder than words, and the UN owes it to the victims of peacekeeper misconduct to see that it does not occur again.” Smith’s bill also addressed the American and foreign victims of human trafficking and includes provisions to help reintegrate them to a normal life. It authorizes a grants program for nongovernmental organization victim service providers, establishes programs for residential rehabilitation facilities and promotes access to information about federally funded services for victims. “The 2005 Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act strengthens and expands our efforts and allows law enforcement to continue to liberate the women and children who are forced and coerced into slavery, and should be passed as quickly as possible,” said Smith, who has fought for human and victims rights since coming to Congress. “The victims of this terrible crime cannot be forgotten, and I urge the Senate to act quickly to pass this legislation on their behalf.” For additional information about Representative Chris Smith and his efforts on behalf of global human rights, please visit http://www.house.gov/chrissmith/ | ||
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For Immediate Release: December 14, 2005 Contact: Brad Dayspring (202) 225-3765 |
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