Human Trafficking Bill Heads to President's Desk

Press Release

Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-02), a Member of the Congressional Human Trafficking Caucus, today supported S. 178, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015. The bill, which was passed in both the House and Senate, will strengthen current anti-trafficking laws, improve the tools available to law enforcement, and open up additional resources for victims in recovery. The bill now heads to President Obama's desk for signature.

"Human trafficking is not theoretical and it's not just overseas; it's here in our backyard," said Congressman Scott Rigell, who noted that an estimated 100,000 children are involved in the sex trade in the United States each year. "As a father and grandfather, these are not just numbers to me. We have a moral obligation not only to end this heinous crime, but to help victims recover."

According to the International Labor Organization, there are an estimated 20.9 million victims of human trafficking globally, including 5.5 million children. Further, in 2013, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline received multiple reports of human trafficking cases in all 50 states and D.C.

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 protects victims and witnesses and holds human traffickers accountable by requiring them to be treated as violent criminals for purposes of pre-trial release, monitoring, and detention. The bill also recognizes child pornography production as a form of human trafficking, increases the authority of law enforcement officials to seize assets of convicted traffickers, and directs all proceeds towards restitution and other support services for victims, as well as financial awards for witnesses.

This past August, Rigell hosted a human trafficking summit featuring state and local leaders working on this critical issue affecting communities throughout the United States.

"I am grateful to House and Senate leadership for making this a top priority and bringing this important bill to the floor," Rigell continued.

Source