WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following the introduction on Tuesday of S. 1848, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2017, by Senators Bob Corker, Ben Cardin, Marco Rubio, and Bob Menendez, David Abramowitz, Managing Director at Humanity United Action, said:

“Humanity United Action applauds the introduction and committee passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2017, which reauthorizes the international portion of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). The TVPA was originally passed in 2000 and established the comprehensive framework for how the federal government tackles human trafficking. The TVPA focuses federal efforts on protecting survivors of trafficking, prosecuting traffickers, and preventing future exploitation.

“We greatly appreciate the leadership of Senators Corker, Cardin, Rubio, and Menendez. This bill takes a number of important steps to advance efforts to combat trafficking internationally. Critically, it strengthens the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report by requiring countries’ tier rankings be tied to concrete actions taken (or not taken) to address trafficking. We have seen too many examples in recent years of tier rankings being politicized, and this legislation works to ensure the integrity and credibility of the Trafficking in Persons Report is restored.

“Additionally, S. 1848 reauthorizes funding for the State Department and other key federal agencies and programs to address human trafficking. It also strengthens efforts to eliminate the use of child soldiers around the world.

“Congress must continue its work to ensure that the TVPA is fully reauthorized. We strongly urge all House and Senate champions to work together to enact a comprehensive package reauthorizing the TVPA’s domestic and international provisions. Humanity United Action stands ready and willing to assist in this effort.”