(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) voted in support of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (S. 178). Included in this legislation was Heller’s amendment to ensure Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel are trained and equipped to better identify victims and perpetrators of human trafficking. Heller’s amendment also allows funds to be used to strengthen Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Forces across the country, which investigate heinous crimes, such as the production of child pornography and human trafficking. Following the vote, Heller issued this statement:

“The issue of human trafficking is not a partisan issue; it’s a human rights issue, which is why I was proud to cast my vote in support of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act today. Every day, countless, innocent victims are bought and sold into modern-day slavery here in America, and all too often, this crime is hidden in plain sight,” said Senator Dean Heller. “I am pleased my amendment was included in this legislation to ensure our law enforcement agencies have the tools and resources necessary to prevent the serious threat of human trafficking and protect America’s most vulnerable. Help is finally there for victims of these despicable crimes.”

Background:

Representative Mark Walker (NC-06) introduced companion legislation – the Human Trafficking Detection Act of 2015. That legislation unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives in January.

Last month, Senator Heller spoke on the Senate floor about his amendment to S. 178. You can click here to watch his speech.

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