WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) in introducing the Preventing Child Trafficking Act. The bipartisan legislation aims to strengthen federal child trafficking prevention initiatives by enhancing coordination between the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Health and Human Services (HHS). The bill unanimously passed the Senate last Congress.
“The federal government can and must do more to prevent children from falling prey to the evils of human trafficking. By strengthening collaboration between federal agencies, our bill aims to more effectively prevent future instances of trafficking, prosecute criminals and safeguard vulnerable children,” Grassley said.
“Child trafficking in Georgia and nationwide is a crisis. That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan bill with Senator Grassley to strengthen Federal protections for vulnerable children and increase support for victims of trafficking,” Ossoff said.
Bill text is available HERE.
Background:
A 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found agencies within the DOJ and HHS lack collaboration mechanisms dedicated solely to combatting child trafficking. The GAO report notes this type of collaboration is a critical first line of defense against trafficking, and would allow federal agencies to better address the distinct needs of child trafficking survivors.
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