Anti-Trafficking International (ATI) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passage of the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2022 (TVPRA). H.R. 6552 will reauthorize Congressman Smith's landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) that lapsed in September of last year, and will enhance programs, strengthen laws, and add accountability to prevention, protection, and prosecution efforts by the Departments of Justice, State, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services through 2026. It also incorporates important refinements to increase accountability and cost-effectiveness of U.S. anti-trafficking activities.
ATI is thankful for the commitment of Representatives Smith (R-NJ) and Bass (D-CA) in ensuring this bill passed. As a $157 billion criminal enterprise, human trafficking is the number one funder of terrorism worldwide. The TVPRA ensures that hard-earned American taxpayer dollars are invested wisely and strategically in systemic and dignified solutions—rather than quick fixes—to combat human trafficking at home and abroad. Successful programs that will be enhanced include assisting survivors with obtaining education and employment opportunities, and providing primary prevention education to prevent trafficking from occurring in the first place. The bill is survivor-informed and endorsed by more than 300 anti-trafficking organizations and 500 advocates, including Ken Morris, the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass.
“Anti-Trafficking International fully supports H.R. 6552 and the reauthorization of the TVPA of 2000. Prevention education is the most powerful tool we have to stop human trafficking before it starts. According to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), online grooming grew by 70% in 2021. Now more than ever before, American children are at a higher risk to be victimized,” said ATI Executive Director Erin Fisher. “If you have an internet connection in your home, traffickers have access to your family. It is imperative to have programs that teach parents, children, and professionals how to recognize and respond to these threats, and H.R. 6552 fully supports those needs.”
Anti-Trafficking International will continue to partner with legislators and other stakeholders to ensure that the Senate swiftly considers this bill and it can get to the President for his signature without further delay. These programs are vital to fight to end human trafficking.
To learn more about human trafficking or Anti-Trafficking InternationaI's anti-human trafficking programs, contact ATI at info@PreventHT.org, visit our website (PreventHT.org), or call 1-833-ASK2END.
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