McCaul Statement on Passage of Bill to Combat Human Trafficking

Washington, D.C. – Human trafficking is a heinous form of modern-day slavery that continues to exploit thousands, despite the tireless efforts of law enforcement, advocacy groups, and government agencies like the Department of Homeland Security. Today's bipartisan bill, H.R. 1370, the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign Authorization Act of 2017, introduced by House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), authorizes an important effort at the Department aimed at combating human trafficking. The Blue Campaign provides tools to federal, state, and local law enforcement as well as private sector organizations to increase awareness of the signs of human trafficking. H.R. 1370, the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign Authorization Act of 2017, passed the House by voice vote.

Chairman McCaul: "Human trafficking is a horrific crime that is an affront to America's core values, a gross violation of human rights, and a matter of national security. The bipartisan bill the House passed today helps protect victims of human trafficking and bolsters law enforcement resources to better identify and defend against this tragic situation and the threat it poses."

Key Points of this Legislation Include:

• H.R. 1370 authorizes the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to deter, detect, and mitigate instances of human trafficking.
• It provides resources that will allow DHS to continue partnering with state, local, tribal, and territorial entities to provide training on how to raise awareness of human trafficking and coordinate efforts to prevent it.
• This bill also directs the Department to disseminate intelligence and best practices related to human trafficking trends and mitigation efforts.
• Finally, the bill bolsters DHS efforts to coordinate among public and private stakeholders, including government agencies, private entities, law enforcement partners, and non-governmental organizations efforts to raise public awareness on the threat human trafficking poses to our communities nationwide.