Maloney on House-Passed Sex Trafficking Victim Protection Bill

Press Release

Maloney on House-Passed Sex Trafficking Victim Protection Bill

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), co-chair of the Congressional Human Trafficking Caucus, issued the following statement after voting last night for the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3887), which passed the House with broad bipartisan support, 405 to 2:

"Sex trafficking is modern-day slavery. It is a $10 billion worldwide industry and one of the most heinous crimes imaginable. This historic bill will give prosecutors the tools they need to hold traffickers accountable and better protect sex trafficking victims.

"One of the most frustrating aspects of the effort to combat trafficking has been the type of proof needed to make a case. Most often it requires testimony from a traumatized victim who has reason to fear the consequences to herself or her family if she testifies. By eliminating the need to prove force, fraud, or coercion except to obtain enhanced penalties, prosecutors will have a more effective way to crack down on traffickers.

"Sex trafficking is a human issue, not a political issue. It speaks volumes that the fight against trafficking has brought together Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, religious leaders and feminists."

Congresswoman Maloney is an original cosponsor of H.R. 3887. She has worked to combat sex trafficking internationally, nationally, and in her New York City district for the past seven years. Maloney urged state and federal prosecutors to investigate Queens-based Big Apple Oriental Tours and other sex tour operators for criminal violations. She is a strong supporter of federal legislation to strengthen the ability of the government to prosecute sex tour operators.

H.R. 3887 authorizes critical funding to combat trafficking and help victims. The law would allow the Department of Justice to prosecute traffickers without having to prove fraud, force or coercion, or a victim's status as a minor - instead, the law would allow prosecutors to use these aggravating circumstances as the basis for enhanced penalties. Currently, the law requires testimony from a traumatized victim who has reason to fear the consequences to herself or her family if she testifies. By eliminating the need for victims to testify about force, fraud or coercion, prosecutors will have a more effective way to crack down on traffickers. The law would also require the Attorney General to conduct a biennial survey of trafficking in the United States.

A landmark law to make the United States a leader in combating the worldwide affliction of sex trafficking was enacted in 2006. That law incorporates key provisions of the End Demand for Sex Trafficking Act championed by Maloney and Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH).

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