Press Releases

Today, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) spoke on the House Floor in support of three bills to fight human trafficking, support homeschool graduates, and expand college access in U.S. territories.
 
The legislation includes:

• H.R. 4307 – Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act
• H.R. 6392 – Home School Graduation Recognition Act
• H.R. 6472 – Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act

Fighting Human Trafficking
H.R. 4307, authored by Reps. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Lucy McBath (D-GA), would require the Department of Labor (DOL) to better train staff to identify signs of human trafficking, stay current on trends, and report suspected cases to law enforcement.
 
Chairman Walberg said on the House Floor, as prepared for delivery: “In my time on the Education and Workforce Committee, I have come to the realization that Department of Labor employees have a front-line view to detect patterns of human trafficking and labor exploitation. 
 
“This is where my bill, H.R. 4307, comes into play. Specifically, this legislation directs 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, and establish a clear course of action for referring suspected instances of human trafficking to law enforcement. In other words, it turns DOL employees into an early warning system against human trafficking.” Chairman Walberg’s full remarks are available here.
 
Supporting Homeschool Families
H.R. 6392, authored by Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC), would help ensure homeschool graduates are not unfairly blocked or burdened in the college admissions process.
 
Chairman Walberg said on the House Floor, as prepared for delivery: “Every student deserves to have their hard work recognized. Unfortunately, many homeschooled students face unjust barriers when applying to college simply because they did not attend a traditional school.
 
“As Chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee, I am grateful to serve alongside Members like Congressman Harris who are eager to sponsor legislation that empowers students of all ages on their respective educational journeys. I am glad to have the opportunity today to stand up for homeschoolers and against the needless discrimination they face in the college application process.” Chairman Walberg’s full remarks are available here.
 
Expanding Opportunity in the Territories
H.R. 6472, authored by Congressman James Moylan (R-GU), would expand access to higher education for students in U.S. territories, strengthening local economies and national security.
 
Chairman Walberg said on the House Floor, as prepared for delivery: “H.R. 6472 doesn’t just help students. It helps the territories, too. After graduation, students can return home with advanced degrees and credentials they can reinvest back into their homes and local economies.
 
“This isn’t just an investment in our students—it’s an investment in the economic strength of American territories. Students can contribute their newfound expertise to help develop new industries and drive economic development.
 
“That investment also strengthens American national security. As competition with our adversaries like China intensify in the Pacific and drug trafficking continues in South and Central America, we must ensure our territories have the infrastructure and brainpower needed to promote a strong national security posture in the region.” Chairman Walberg’s full remarks are available here.

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