On Monday, the House passed H.R. 443, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Reps. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP), to curtail human trafficking and ensure Department of Labor (DOL) personnel have the tools and resources to identify cases of exploitation and coordinate with law enforcement.
Chairwoman Foxx submitted the following remarks for the record: “Human trafficking is a blight upon civil society – everyone can agree, and it is an issue that remains one of the greatest challenges of our time.
“According to the International Labor Organization, in 2022, an estimated 27.6 million victims are trafficked on any given day.
“Roughly one in six endangered runaways reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is likely a victim of child sex trafficking.
“These horrid crimes are committed by those who prey on the innocent and vulnerable.
“We have seen stories right here at home of human trafficking operations taking place at our own southern border.
“When our nation’s borders are left wide open, the cartels are emboldened – and act with impunity – as they enslave innocent boys and girls.
“H.R. 443 offers a viable avenue to equip Department of Labor personnel with the necessary information and tools to identify and report human trafficking cases – as well as cases of forced labor and sexual exploitation – because they investigate employment law violations.
“It also requires the Department of Labor to provide an annual report to Congress regarding its own efforts to combat the scourge of human trafficking.
“Human trafficking must be stamped out, and this bipartisan legislation can help move us towards achieving that end.”
H.R. 443, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act:
- Directs DOL to educate appropriate staff on how to detect instances of human trafficking.
- Establishes a clear framework for DOL employees to assist law enforcement in prosecution and prevention efforts.
- Requires DOL to provide an annual report to Congress on its efforts to combat human trafficking.
