House Passes Walberg's Bipartisan Bill to Combat Human Trafficking

Today, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) issued the following statement after House passage of H.R. 4307, the bipartisan Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, which he co-sponsored alongside Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA):

"Today, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle took a stand in denouncing the scourge of human trafficking," said Chairman Walberg. "Very often, Department of Labor employees are the first to encounter signs of human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation; the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act provides these employees with the tools and knowledge needed to detect and address this heinous crime. I was proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan bill alongside Congresswoman McBath to protect the most vulnerable, including women and children, from exploitation."

"Today, the House took an important step forward in the fight against human trafficking and passed our bipartisan bill. By strengthening the Department of Labor's ability to train personnel to recognize and report the warning signs of trafficking, we are reinforcing our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable from exploitation and abuse. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that demands vigilance, coordination, and accountability at every level of government. I am proud to see my bill advance in the Congress, and I thank Chairman Walberg for his collaboration as we remain committed to ensuring that victims are protected and perpetrators are brought to justice," said Congresswoman McBath.

H.R. 4307, Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act:

• Establishes guidelines to ensure DOL staff are equipped with sufficient tools and resources to report labor or sexual exploitation.
• Establishes a clear framework for DOL employees to assist law enforcement in preventing labor or sexual exploitation.
• Promotes DOL transparency and congressional oversight regarding DOL detection and response to human trafficking.