Yesterday, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22), joined by Reps. Troy Carter (LA-02), Laurel Lee (FL-15), and Lucy McBath (GA-06), launched the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. This caucus is a bipartisan coalition of members committed to advancing legislation and policy initiatives that raise public awareness of human trafficking, strengthen the United States’ prevention and prosecution efforts, hold traffickers accountable and protect human trafficking victims.
Rosanna Maietta, president & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, issued a statement on the caucus: "The creation of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus is a powerful signal that our leaders in Washington are committed to treating this heinous crime with the urgency it demands,” she said. “The hotel industry has been a leading voice in prevention through our No Room for Trafficking initiative which trains employees and supports survivors. We’ve long believed that preventing human trafficking requires partnership between the business community and government, and are eager to work more closely with the caucus co-chairs—Representatives David Valadao (R-CA), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Troy Carter (D-LA) and Lucy McBath (D-GA)—and all members of Congress to advance policies that strengthen prevention and support survivors on their path to stability and recovery.”
"Human trafficking is a devastating crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our Central Valley communities, and while there’s no silver bullet solution, there are actions we can take to fight back,” Valadao said in a statement. “I’m proud to launch the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus to strengthen support for victims and survivors, improve coordination across federal, state, and local partners, and hold traffickers accountable. This caucus will engage lived-experience experts and key stakeholders to help guide future legislative action, and I look forward to working with my co-chairs to confront this crisis head on.”
"Human trafficking is an urgent threat in communities across our nation, and New Orleans is especially vulnerable as a hub for tourism and major events, leading to an increased rate of trafficking,” Carter said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in launching this bipartisan caucus to strengthen coordination at every level of government and hold traffickers accountable. I am committed to elevating survivor voices, protecting vulnerable populations, and ensuring victims have access to the support and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.”
“Human trafficking is an insidious crime that exploits both children and adults and preys on the most vulnerable in our communities,” Lee said. “I am proud to join the Congressional Combatting Human Trafficking Caucus and work alongside my colleagues to combat this abuse and hold traffickers accountable. Throughout my time in Congress, I have introduced and supported legislation focused on protecting victims and strengthening the tools law enforcement needs to stop traffickers. I look forward to continuing that work through this caucus and advancing policies that help protect vulnerable individuals and bring traffickers to justice.”
“We are proud to launch the Congressional Combating Human Trafficking Caucus, a bipartisan effort to strengthen Congress’s commitment to preventing human trafficking, protecting victims, and holding traffickers accountable,” McBath said. McBath is a ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime. “Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that demands sustained action at every level of government. Through this caucus, we will work to raise public awareness, advance meaningful legislation, and coordinate closely with federal agencies, advocates, and community partners to confront this crime wherever it occurs. I thank my colleagues for their support on this issue. By bringing together members on both sides of the aisle, we are reinforcing our shared responsibility to combat trafficking and ensure that victims are protected.”