Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley made the following comment after the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act passed the Senate by a vote of 99 to 0. As Chairman, Grassley shepherded the bill through the committee, which passed on a 19 to 0 vote.
The Senate-passed bill also includes human trafficking legislation introduced by Grassley earlier this year. The Grassley proposal would clarify that federal grant resources can be used to meet the housing needs of trafficking victims and offer training on the effects of sex trafficking to those who serve runaway, homeless and at-risk youth. It also calls for a federal human trafficking task force to identify best practices to prevent human trafficking.
Grassley’s comment on passage of the bill is below.
“During a Judiciary Committee hearing in February, we heard of the pain and unimaginable harm that victims of sex trafficking endure. We can no longer turn our heads the other way. Victims deserve the help that this strong anti-trafficking bill provides.
“This is a major victory for victims. We’ve all been frustrated that a bill to help end sex trafficking and cleared the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 19-0 was filibustered and delayed by the minority. Passage is a step forward in helping survivors of trafficking heal and protecting others from becoming victims of such a terrible crime.
“The House of Representatives now has a chance to add its stamp of approval to such important legislation that can make a big difference in people’s lives.”
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