Maloney Statement on Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act Compromise

Statement

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today released the following statement on an agreement among Senate leaders that would allow the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (S. 178) and the confirmation of Attorney General Nominee Loretta Lynch to move forward.

"This is a great day in the effort to combat human trafficking. A groundbreaking anti-trafficking bill is now moving in the Senate and a person with a sterling anti-trafficking record is now set to become the next Attorney General of the United States.

"I'm pleased that the controversial expansion of the Hyde Amendment has been removed from the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (S. 178) and that the Senate will now vote on this legislation. The JVTA will help the survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives through a newly created fund, while also doing more to crack down on the demand-side of this crime through tougher penalties on traffickers, Johns and pimps. The House should schedule a vote as soon as possible following Senate passage.

"I'm also thrilled that this agreement sets the stage for Loretta Lynch to become our next Attorney General. U.S. Attorney Lynch has had to wait way too long for a confirmation vote and I hope the Senate will approve her nomination as quickly as possible. Survivors of human trafficking could not ask for a stronger advocate in our nation's top law enforcement official."

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