Cochran Cosponsors Bill to Address Child Sex Trafficking, Exploitation

Press Release

U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today cosponsored legislation to improve the ability of law enforcement and social services to identify and protect children from sex trafficking and exploitation.

The Child Sex Trafficking Data and Response Act of 2013 (S.1118) would streamline data collection and reporting on sex trafficking by, among other things, requiring state child welfare agencies to report immediately the identity of any child missing or abducted from state care.

"This legislation is intended to improve the ability of caregivers and law enforcement to ensure that children at risk get the help they require," said Cochran, a member of the Senate Caucus to End Human Trafficking.

A nationwide FBI operation this week resulted in the arrests of 150 people in several states including in Mississippi who have been charged with trafficking minors. The dragnet also recovered 105 missing and exploited children.

Because many children victimized by sex trafficking in the United States are involved in the child welfare system, S.1118 focuses on coordinating child welfare programs with law enforcement reporting systems.

The bipartisan measure, authored by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), has been referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

A one-page background and summary of the Child Sex Trafficking Data and Response Act Is available below.

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