Kinzinger & Kelly Re-Introduce Anti-Trafficking Bill
Press Release
This month, which is recognized as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) re-introduced H.R.332, the Reducing the Demand for Human Trafficking Act, for the 117th Congress. The bill amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to encourage a more victim-centered approach to combat human trafficking.
Human trafficking is happening all across America, and the State of Illinois ranks among the highest in trafficking rates nationwide. Sex traffickers sell their victims multiple times a day, and often times, these victims are children. There are laws in place to help seek out and provide protections for trafficking victims, but H.R. 332 would help target those who purchase or solicit these horrific services, and hold them accountable for their crimes. This will in turn reduce the demand, and help put a stop to this heinous crime.
"Human trafficking is often hidden in plain sight, but it is happening here in Illinois and across the country. In my district, the city of Rockford ranks second in highest cases of trafficking in the state, and the daily numbers are deeply disturbing," said Congressman Kinzinger (IL-16). "I'm proud to re-introduce this bill that would pinpoint the individuals who solicit and purchase trafficking services. We must hold them accountable for their role in this hideous crime. And, by cutting off the demand, we can stop the supply, taking us one step closer to ending human trafficking."
"The insidious nature of human trafficking requires a strategy that addresses not only the suppliers but individuals who solicit and purchase the services of trafficked victims," said Congresswoman Kelly (IL-02). "The Reducing Demand for Human Trafficking Act of 2021 holds those individuals accountable for their crimes and incentivizes law enforcement to go after the solicitors of victims of human trafficking."
The Reducing the Demand for Trafficking Act was introduced in the House last week by Representatives Kinzinger and Kelly. The full text of H.R.332 can be found here, and attached as a PDF.
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