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Washington, DC – Congressman Brett Guthrie today voted in support of a series of bills to combat human trafficking.

“The House has been working in a bipartisan fashion to end the horrific practice of human trafficking,” said Congressman Guthrie.  “The legislation passed this week will provide support for victims, training for law enforcement and improve reporting on human trafficking data.”

Among the 12 bills passed by the House of Representatives this week were several bills passed in the House last Congress, including: H.R. 350, the Human Trafficking Prevention, Intervention and Recovery Act; H.R. 468, the Enhancing Services for Runaway and Homeless Victims of Youth Trafficking Act and H.R. 469, the Strengthening the Child Welfare Response to Trafficking Act.

Additionally, the House considered H.R. 398, the Trafficking Awareness Training for Health Care Act of 2015.  This legislation seeks to develop best practices for health care workers in the identification and care of human trafficking victims.  It also facilitates the creation of pilot programs to ensure these best practices are effective in the field. 

Last August, Congressman Guthrie held two roundtable discussions on combating human trafficking.  Held in Bowling Green and Elizabethtown, the discussions included representatives from local law enforcement, the judicial system, faith-based organizations and the social work community.

“These discussions proved very insightful.  Human trafficking is a serious problem, and it is happening right here in our Kentucky communities.  I heard repeatedly that our biggest obstacle is understanding what constitutes human trafficking.  By providing a local focus on this important issue, we can ensure that the public is informed and ensure that those on the frontlines are given the resources they need to combat it.  Passing legislation is important, but raising awareness is equally important,” added Congressman Guthrie.

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