WASHINGTON, D.C.– This evening, the House of Representatives passed five bipartisan anti-human trafficking bills. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) released the following statement:  

“Today we are one step closer to ending the atrocity that is human trafficking. This epidemic is real and is growing at a staggering rate not just in other parts of the world, but right here in the United States. These bills are just the beginning, and the House will continue our efforts to bring these perpetrators to justice, support the victims, and strengthen protections for children.”

About Human Trafficking:

·         It is estimated there are more than 20 million victims worldwide and more slaves exist today than at any time in human history.

·         Approximately 300,000 American children are at risk of being trafficked in the U.S.

·         Human trafficking is a $32 billion industry worldwide, including $9.5 billion yearly in the U.S.

·         The average age of entry into prostitution for a child victim in the U.S. is 13-14 years old.

Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation (provided by the Speaker of the House):

• TheJustice for Victims of Trafficking Act (H.R. 3530), sponsored by Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX), improves victims’ support and anti-trafficking grant programs and gives law enforcement officials more tools to bring human traffickers and their conspirators to justice.

• The Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act (H.R. 3610),sponsored by Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN), encourages states to establish safe harbor laws so that trafficked minors can seek protective services and counseling as victims, without  fear of facing jail and being targeted as part of the problem.

• ThePreventing Sex Trafficking and Improving Opportunities for Youth in Foster Care Act (H.R. 4058), sponsored by Rep. David Reichert (R-WA), requires states to expand protections for children in foster care and empower them to develop into successful adults.

• TheStop Advertising Victims of Exploitation (SAVE) Act (H.R. 4225), sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO), makes it a federal crime to advertise for commercial sex with minors.

• The International Megan’s Law to Prevent Demand for Child Sex Trafficking (H.R. 4573),sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), increases communication between the U.S. and other countries regarding sex offenders’ travel and allows the Secretary of State to restrict the passports of people convicted of sex crimes in other countries.

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