Millions of children, women, and men are trafficked every year around the world for exploitation and commercial gain. Second only to drugs, the trafficking of humans generates some $32 billion per year. Today, Congressman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, joined his House colleagues in passing a series of legislative measures aimed at ending domestic and international trafficking, and providing greater support for its victims.

“Human trafficking is a heart-breaking and despicably wicked form of abuse. This form of modern-day slavery knows no boundaries, tearing families apart here in the United States and across the globe. The ongoing horrors in Nigeria are only the most recent reminder. We all carry a great moral responsibility to protect our most vulnerable from abuse, to give voice to those who have been silenced, and to hold the perpetrators accountable.”

Anti-human trafficking efforts in the United States have accelerated domestically since the enactment of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. Upton has been a strong supporter of this program, most recently by voting to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act through Fiscal Year 2017.

H.R. 3530 – Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act

Comprehensive domestic anti-human trafficking legislation that reallocates existing grants for human trafficking deterrence and victims’ support and provides additional law enforcement tools to enable authorities to prosecute all those involved in human trafficking.

H.R. 3610 – Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act

Encourages states to adopt safe harbor laws that treat trafficked minors as victims and provide an avenue for victims to leave their situations with access to protective services, counseling, and skill building, rather than entering the legal system and being incarcerated.

H.R. 4058 – Preventing Sex Trafficking and Improving Opportunities for Youth in Foster Care Act

Requires states to take steps to identify, prevent, and address sex trafficking of youth in foster care. Also improves the lives of youth in foster care by ensuring they have more normal opportunities and experiences, while also providing them with tools they need to become successful adults.

H.R. 4225 – Stop Advertising Victims of Exploitation (SAVE) Act

Makes it a federal crime to knowingly advertise for the commercial sex exploitation of minors and trafficking victims.

H.R. 4573 – International Megan’s Law

Ensures that a destination country is aware when an American sex offender who has previously abused a child is traveling to that country and encourages reciprocal notification to protect American children from abuse by foreign sex offenders.