Press Releases

Today, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA) introduced the H.R. 4307, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act in the House, and Senators John Husted (R-OH) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The bipartisan, bicameral bill directs the Department of Labor (DOL) to train its employees to identify human trafficking and refer suspected trafficking crimes to law enforcement.
 
“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 Chairman 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," said Rep. McBath. "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.”
 
“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.

“No one should live in fear of exploitation or abuse, and human trafficking is a direct attack on that fundamental freedom and is happening in plain sight, in our neighborhoods, in our workplaces, and our communities," said Senator Slotkin. "This bill helps the Department of Labor with tools to take action. It’s an important step forward to help stop traffickers and protect victims.” 
 
Background:
 
Chairman Walberg, a long-time leader on efforts to combat human trafficking, introduced this legislation last Congress. H.R. 443 passed the House with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 407 to 0.
 
In 2023, the New York Times reported on the Biden-Harris border crisis that many children were being trafficked and forced to work illegally in the United States following their release to sponsors who were supposedly “vetted” by the federal government.
 
Specifically, H.R. 4307, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act would:

• Direct DOL to educate appropriate staff on how to effectively detect instances of human trafficking. 
• Ensure personnel regularly receive information on current trends and best practices.
• Allow flexible education options, including in-class and virtual learning options.
• Establish a clear course of action for referring suspected instances of human trafficking to law enforcement; and
• Require a report to Congress on the implementation of staff education and the processes used by the Department to measure and track its agencies’ and law enforcement’s responses to human trafficking.

Full text of the bill is available here.  

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