- Lawmakers formed a congressional caucus to combat human trafficking.
- It aims to advance legislation, strengthen enforcement, and protect victims.
- AHLA and other associations supported the initiative.
A BIPARTISAN GROUP of lawmakers formed a congressional caucus to combat human trafficking on March 18. The caucus aims to advance legislation and policy initiatives to raise public awareness, strengthen U.S. prevention and prosecution efforts, hold traffickers accountable and protect victims.
Congressman David Valadao of California launched the caucus with Reps. Troy Carter of Louisiana, Laurel Lee of Florida and Lucy McBath of Georgia, according to a statement. The American Hotel & Lodging Association supported the initiative.
“Human trafficking is a devastating crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our Central Valley communities,” said Valadao. “While there’s no single solution, there are actions we can take to fight back. I’m proud to launch the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking congressional caucus to strengthen support for victims, improve coordination across federal, state and local partners and hold traffickers accountable. This caucus will engage experts with lived experience and stakeholders to guide legislative action and I look forward to working with my co-chairs to confront this crisis head-on.”
Rosanna Maietta, AHLA’s president and CEO, said the caucus signals that leaders in Washington are committed to addressing the issue.
“The hotel industry has been a leading voice in prevention through our ‘No Room for Trafficking’ initiative, which trains employees and supports survivors,” she said. “We’ve long believed preventing human trafficking requires partnership between the business community and government and are eager to work with the caucus co-chairs and members of Congress to advance policies that strengthen prevention and support survivors on their path to recovery.”
Key priorities
Caucus priorities include advancing legislation to combat sex and labor trafficking and supporting federal agencies to prevent trafficking, disrupt financial networks, improve data collection, hold perpetrators accountable and protect survivors, according to a statement. It will also promote coordination among federal, state and local partners, including ahead of large-scale events and advance policies that expand access to economic stability, legal remedies and services for victims.
Carter called human trafficking an urgent threat in communities across the U.S.
“New Orleans is especially vulnerable as a hub for tourism and major events, leading to increased trafficking,” he said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in launching this caucus to strengthen coordination at every level of government and hold traffickers accountable. I am committed to elevating survivor voices, protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring victims have access to support and opportunities to rebuild their lives.”
Supporting organizations include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Gaming Association, Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking, Kids in Need of Defense, Polaris, TAT, Protect All Children from Trafficking, the Empowerment Dess Perkins Foundation, the Kings County Sheriff’s Department, the Central Valley Justice Coalition, Central Valley Against Human Trafficking, It’s a Penalty, 3Strands Global Foundation, Without Permission, the Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Kings Community Action Organization, the California Commission on Sexual Exploitation, Wellspring Living and Street Grace.
In February, the Arizona House of Representatives issued a proclamation recognizing the hotel industry’s role in preventing human trafficking, citing efforts by AHLA and the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association.
Lee said human trafficking exploits children and adults and targets vulnerable people.
“I am proud to join the Congressional Combating Human Trafficking Caucus and work with my colleagues to hold traffickers accountable,” she said. “Throughout my time in Congress, I have supported legislation to protect victims and strengthen the tools law enforcement needs to stop traffickers. I look forward to continuing that work through this caucus.”
“We are proud to launch the Congressional Combating Human Trafficking Caucus, a bipartisan effort to strengthen Congress’s efforts to prevent human trafficking, protect victims and hold traffickers accountable,” said McBath, ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime. “Human trafficking is a violation of human rights that demands action at every level of government. Through this caucus, we will raise public awareness, advance legislation and coordinate with federal agencies, advocates and community partners to confront this crime.”
G6 Hospitality and the Fort Worth, Texas, Police Department recently hosted a “Safe Hospitality” seminar for franchisees, with sessions on human trafficking awareness, narcotics identification and reporting, nuisance abatement and health and safety inspections.
