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Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act

S.1311/H.R.2803: Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017 

In June, Senator Brown (D-OH) introduced S.1311 and Representative Poe (R-TX) introduced H.R.2803, a bill that would provide the United States with a much needed push to end the exploitation of people through human trafficking.

This bill reauthorizes the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 works to increase the punishment for people convicted of operating trafficking enterprises within the U.S., and provides support to victims of human trafficking.

A major component of the Abolish Human Trafficking Act is the addition of more law enforcement officials to identify and stop human trafficking. This will be implemented by creating a coordinator position in each federal judicial district. The coordinator will prosecute human trafficking cases, while also advocating for survivors. Federal law enforcement officers will be given holistic training in order to better work with the survivors. The specialized law enforcement and victims’ services will combine to create a more just society for those who have been greatly damaged.

Additional funding for victims’ services will give law enforcement needed resources to target those who are involved in organizing human trafficking. The addition of specialized law enforcement officers will hopefully result in stricter laws around human trafficking – preventing it from growing any more.

A victim-centered approach to human trafficking will be implemented, ensuring each person receives specialized care in a timely fashion. An interdisciplinary approach is required to best serve the survivors of human trafficking by empowering instead of retraumatizing them. 

Take Action: S.1311 has 25 co-sponsors and is awaiting a vote in the Senate.

  • Senator Portman is not yet a co-sponsor for S.1311. Call Senator Portman and ask him to sign onto this bill.
  • Senator Portman: 513-684-3265 (Cincinnati), 202-224-3353 (DC)

H.R.2803 has 3 co-sponsors and was recently referred to the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.

  • Call Representative Chabot, who sits on the committee, and urge him to vote YES on the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.
  • Representative Chabot: 513-684-2723 (Cincinnati), 202-225-2216 (DC)

H.R.2200: Fredrick Douglas Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2017 

In April, Representative Christopher Smith (R-NJ) introduced H.R.2200, a bill that will encourage education about human trafficking, as well as additional support for survivors.

This bill reauthorizes the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000.

H.R. 2200 ensures education focused on the prevention of human trafficking, as well as creating grants to financially support rehabilitation programs for survivors of human trafficking. The education expansion surrounding human trafficking will target elementary and secondary education schools and focus on informing children on the signs and dangers of severe forms of trafficking.

This bill will create an employment program for people who have been removed from trafficking situations. The goal is that through employment, people will receive necessary assistance to integrate into society in a self-sufficient manner.

Take Action:

Passed the House on 7/12/17

Currently in the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Call Senator Portman, who sits on the committee, and urge him to vote YES on H.R. 2200 Fredrick Douglas Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2017