Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed by voice vote H.R. 460, the Human Trafficking Detection Act of 2015, introduced by Representative Mark Walker, R-NC. The legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide a human trafficking awareness-training program for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other relevant personnel.
U.S. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, Subcommittee Chairman John Katko, R-N.Y., and Subcommittee Chairman Martha McSally R-Ariz. joined in co-sponsoring the bill.
Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas: "Last year, I held a Committee hearing in Texas where we heard from courageous survivors of human trafficking, as well as State and local law enforcement on how we can work together to combat this horrific crime. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plays a critical role in this effort.
"I am a proud to once again co-sponsor the Human Trafficking Detection Act. This bill ensures CBP, TSA, and other DHS personnel are trained on how to detect and prevent trafficking. The bill also encourages partnerships between DHS and State and local law enforcement to establish additional training programs. I thank Rep. Walker for his leadership on this bill, and I will continue to push for further measures to fight human trafficking within the United States and around the world."