This week the Senate began debate on legislation that would establish strong anti-trafficking measures that target predators who traffic innocent young people.
It’s a debate that is too often shoved under the rug because we’re either embarrassed by the topic or in denial that human trafficking may be happening in our communities.
In a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, we heard horrific and gut-wrenching stories from victims and advocates. Nobody should have to endure being sold into prostitution or made to work in unlivable conditions.
I worked to advance the legislation through the Senate Judiciary Committee and am now leading the debate on this measure in the full Senate.
The legislation equips law enforcement with new tools to fight trafficking enhances services for victims, and increases penalties for perpetrators. The bill would fight demand for domestic sex trafficking by ensuring that any person who is trafficking an adult or purchasing a child for sex will be punished under the full force of the law
Our legislation focuses on helping survivors of trafficking heal and protecting others from becoming victims of such a terrible crime. It’s a meaningful solution that is supported by a large, bipartisan group of senators and more than 200 outside organizations.
We have a real opportunity to provide these survivors of trafficking with the kind of support that is essential to their recovery and future success. Working together, in a bipartisan way, we can restore dignity to survivors.