WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) joined Senator Jon Husted (R-OH) and Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Lucy McBath (D-GA) in introducing the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at equipping Department of Labor employees with the tools needed to identify and report signs of human trafficking during routine workplace inspections.
“No one should live in fear of exploitation or abuse,” said Senator Slotkin. “Human trafficking is a direct attack on our most basic freedoms and it’s happening in plain sight: in our neighborhoods, our workplaces, and our communities. This bill gives the Department of Labor frontline tools to take action and serve as an early warning system when signs of trafficking are present. It’s an important step forward in helping stop traffickers and protect victims.”
“We must rescue victims from abuse and stop traffickers from preying on vulnerable teens, children, women and men. Department of Labor employees are on the ground conducting workplace inspections, and they need to be able to spot human trafficking behavior in real time. That’s why our bill would equip DOL employees with the education and training necessary to quickly recognize trafficking and report it to law enforcement. Thank you to Chairman Walberg for leading the charge on this issue for years in the House. I’m proud to join him by leading the Senate bill,” said Senator Husted.
“Human trafficking is an evil practice that happens in our backyards, and we must utilize all resources available to combat this heinous crime. DOL employees have a front-line view to detect patterns of human trafficking and labor exploitation. By arming these employees with proper training, we can hold traffickers accountable and protect those who are most vulnerable,” said Rep. Walberg.
“Whether it is forced labor in a sweatshop or sexual slavery, human trafficking is truly reprehensible and has no place in the United States. Traffickers prey upon the most vulnerable in our society, targeting women and children. This effort will enhance the Department of Labor’s ability to identify and protect victims as well as hold perpetrators accountable. It is an honor to work with Chairman Walberg on this important issue, and I look forward to getting it signed into law,” said Rep. McBath.
The legislation mandates that DOL employees in the field receive specialized training to recognize the warning signs of human trafficking and refer suspected cases to law enforcement. The legislation also includes a requirement that the Department of Labor submit a report to Congress within one year of implementation, detailing the progress and scope of its training and referral efforts. The bill also requires the DOL to submit a report to Congress detailing its training and referral efforts no later than one year after the DOL implements the program.
Full text of the bill is available here.
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