U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced the House continues to prioritize the prevention of human trafficking by passing eight bills to specifically address prevention, identification and ways to help trafficking victims.
“I am pleased that with today’s action, the House continues to provide our communities with the tools they need to prevent human trafficking – which is now the fastest-growing organized crime in the world,” said Davis. “Like with any other crime, putting an end to this terrible practice will require anyone who sees something to say something. The bills passed by the House this week will better prepare those in state and local governments, law enforcement officials and healthcare workers to prevent, identify and help victims of trafficking.”
Additionally, Davis has held two events in the 13th District highlighting the issue of human trafficking by providing victims and prevention experts with a forum to share their stories and discuss ways to stop human trafficking.
The bills approved by the House this week include:
H.R. 350, the Human Trafficking Prevention, Intervention and Recovery Act – would require a comprehensive review of federal and state prevention activities and would improve grants to ensure there are enough beds at shelters for human trafficking victims. Davis is an original cosponsor of this legislation.
H.R. 159, the Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act – would require states to establish their own safe harbor laws and allows trafficking victims to receive Job Corps services. Davis is a cosponsor of this legislation.
H.R. 285, the Stop Advertising Victims of Exploitation Act – would allow the closing of Internet marketplaces that host advertisements for the commercial exploitation of women and children. Davis is a cosponsor of this legislation.
H.R. 181, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act – would create a deterrence grant for those working to rescue and investigate human trafficking.
H.R. 460, the Human Trafficking Detection Act – would provide training for TSA, Customs and Border Protection, and Department of Homeland Security personnel in all matters related to human trafficking. Davis is a cosponsor of this legislation.
H.R. 398, the Trafficking Awareness Training for Health Care Act – creates a grant to develop best practices for health care workers to be able to help identify and help victims of human trafficking.
H.R. 469, the Strengthening Child Welfare Response to Trafficking Act – expands the requirements for states that receive grants for child protective services to include trafficking victims, identifying and assessing reports of trafficked victims, training workers to identify victims, and identifying services for referral to address the needs of victims.
H.R. 246 – creates an online tip line to allow for more effective reporting of Internet-related child trafficking and prostitution.
