House Passes Human Trafficking Bill Co-led by Rep. Cárdenas
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2200, the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act, legislation that Representative Tony Cárdenas helped introduce along with Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ), Karen Bass (D-CA), Ed Royce (R-CA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Susan Brooks (R-IN), Lois Frankel (D-FL), and Ann Wagner (R-MO).
“Human trafficking is an issue that really hits home for us in Los Angeles,” said Congressman Cárdenas. “As recently as this February, a sting in LA led to the arrest of over 400 individuals and the rescue of dozens of victimized women and children. That’s why I’m proud that today the House took a bipartisan step forward on this issue. We must continue to ensure that federal, state, and local governments have the tools and the resources they need to address and prevent human trafficking. I am proud to be a part of this effort, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to ensure this legislation’s final passage.”
The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention, Protection, and Reauthorization Act honors the 200th birthday of slavery survivor and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and will reauthorize $130 million in current funds appropriated to ensure an integrated, whole-of-government response to fight human trafficking for the next four years. The legislation also includes important improvements to current law to help further address and prevent human trafficking.
The text of the legislation can be found here.
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