 From the Desk of
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
SCOTT RIGELL
2nd District
of Virginia
418 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
T: (202) 225-4215
F: (202) 225-4218
23386 Front Street
Accomac, VA 23301
T: (757) 789-5172
F: (757) 789-5175
4772 Euclid Road, Suite E
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
T: (757) 687-8290
F: (757) 687-8298
1100 Exploration Way, Suite 302 R
Hampton, VA 23666
T: (757) 687-8290
F: (757) 687-8298
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Rigell Calls on Senate Leaders
to Act on Human Trafficking Legislation
Bills will further prevent human trafficking, intervene when attempted trafficking occurs, and open up additional resources for victims in recovery
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Washington, D.C. – Recently the House of Representatives passed several bipartisan bills to further prevent human trafficking, intervene when attempted trafficking occurs, and open up additional resources for victims in recovery. To ensure consideration of these important bills in the Senate, Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-02) joined 52 Republican and Democratic House Members in calling on Senate leaders in both parties to consider the House-passed package of human trafficking bills, stating that “working together, we can ensure meaningful legislation is signed into law to eradicate this disgusting industry and empower survivors.” The bipartisan letter was sent to Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
“We have a moral obligation not only to protect our children and others who may fall victim to human trafficking, but to intervene and help victims recover,” said Congressman Scott Rigell, a Member of the House Human Trafficking Caucus. “I urge my colleagues in the Senate to consider these important bills.”
In August, Rigell hosted his first annual human trafficking summit. The panel discussion was open to members of the community seeking to learn more from state and local leaders working on this critical issue affecting communities throughout the United States.
Read the full text of the letter:
Dear Majority Leader Reid and Minority Leader McConnell:
Hundreds of thousands of young children are at risk for becoming victims of sex trafficking every year in the United States. Over the past 15 years, Congress worked together in a bipartisan fashion to enact numerous laws to combat the epidemic of human trafficking. These efforts include the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) and subsequent reauthorizations.
Now we have the opportunity to once again come together to enact laws to combat this horrific industry. Between May and July 2014, the House has passed a series of bipartisan bills to prevent and combat trafficking, provide support to trafficking victims, and offer additional tools to law enforcement to ensure that traffickers are brought to justice. Many of these bills were passed by suspension and with broad bipartisan support. These bills include:
Stop Exploitation through Sex Trafficking Act (H.R. 3610/S. 1733)
Stop Advertising Victims of Exploitation Act (H.R. 4225)
Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (H.R. 3530/S. 1738)
International Megan's Law to Prevent Demand for Child Sex Trafficking (H.R. 4573)
To improve the response to victims of child sex trafficking act (H.R. 5111/S. 1936)
Strengthening Child Welfare Response to Trafficking (H.R. 5081)
Enhancing Services for Runaway and Homeless Victims of Youth Trafficking (H.R. 5076)
The Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (H.R. 4980)
The Human Trafficking Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery Act of 2014 (H.R. 5135)
Human Trafficking Detection Act of 2014 (H.R. 5116)
Human Trafficking Prevention Act (H.R. 4449)
Human Trafficking Prioritization Act (H.R. 2283)
As you work on the Senate agenda for September and the remainder of the year, we ask that you bring these bipartisan bills or companion legislation to the Senate floor for a vote. The issue of human trafficking is not a partisan one, and we believe it deserves to be made a priority in both the House and Senate. Working together, we can ensure meaningful legislation is signed into law to eradicate this disgusting industry and empower survivors. We look forward to working with you and your colleagues to do all we can to put an end to human trafficking.
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