Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) joined with the House Thursday in passing a package of eight bipartisan bills which continue efforts to end human trafficking in the United States and abroad.
“Human trafficking seems like an issue a world away, but the tragic reality is that it affects children and communities right here in our area,” said Fitzpatrick following the votes. “Today, in bipartisan fashion, lawmakers stood together to address the continuing need to support and grow anti-trafficking programs and upgrade our nation’s response to this crime – locally and internationally. These bills work to empower non-profits, local governments and law enforcement who are on the front lines in the effort to combat modern day slavery – an objective I am proud to continue to support.”
Topics addressed in the legislation include updating definition of trafficking in legal codes, strengthening grants for child abuse or neglect prevention and treatment programs, and reviewing and updating federal and state trafficking prevention activities.
Ending human trafficking in Bucks and Montgomery counties is an important objective of Fitzpatrick. To that end, he has worked to support the mission of local non-profits and organizations – including Worthwhile Wear – to address prevention and recovery efforts. Worthwhile Wear is in the process of opening Bucks County’s first program to provide long-term aftercare and housing to women survivors of trafficking and forced prostitution.
“It is refreshing to see that Congress is willing to come together around efforts to better define, address and prevent trafficking as it exists in our nation,” said Dan Emr, Executive Director of Worthwhile Wear. “Congressman Fitzpatrick continues to be a champion for federal and local solutions concerning human trafficking. His work with Worthwhile Wear and other organizations in Bucks and Montgomery counties has strengthened our ability to respond to the unique situations and challenges presented by this terrible crime.”
Fitzpatrick, a member of Victims’ Rights Caucus and the Human Trafficking Task Force, is a leader on anti-trafficking initiatives and has worked on Capitol Hill and in Pennsylvania on legislation to increase awareness, support survivors, and empower law enforcement to end trafficking and abuse. In May, Fitzpatrick and the House passed a similar package of anti-trafficking bills.
Legislation passed Thursday includes:
- H.R. 5111 - To Improve the Response to Victims of Child Sex Trafficking
- H.R. 5081 - Strengthening Child Welfare Response to Trafficking Act of 2014
- H.R. 5076 - Enhancing Services for Runaway and Homeless Victims of Youth Trafficking Act
- H.R. 4980 - Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act
- H.R. 5135 - Human Trafficking Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery Act
- H.R. 5116 - Human Trafficking Detection Act
- H.R. 4449 - Human Trafficking Prevention Act
- H.R. 2283 - Human Trafficking Prioritization Act
Learn more about Congressman Fitzpatrick’s efforts to combat trafficking at fitzpatrick.house.gov/EndTrafficking