|
|
Press Release
For Immediate Release
December 23, 2008 |
Contact: Joe Soldevere, 212 860 0606 |
|
|
Groundbreaking Human Trafficking Legislation Signed Into Law |
WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), co-chair of the
Congressional Human Trafficking Caucus, applauded President Bush today
for signing into law H.R. 7311, the “William Wilberforce Trafficking
Victims Protection Reauthorization Act.” H.R. 7311 is historic
legislation that will combat human trafficking in the United States and
around the world.
“Thousands of human trafficking victims are being held in often deplorable conditions in cities and towns throughout America. Let there be no mistake: human trafficking is modern-day slavery,” Maloney said. “The bipartisan Wilberforce Act will dramatically strengthen our efforts to fight human trafficking, giving prosecutors the tools they need to hold traffickers accountable and providing a helping hand to victims, as well.”
H.R. 7311 increases penalties against traffickers; expands protections for trafficking victims and their families; requires the Department of Justice to develop a new model state-level law focusing on a more comprehensive approach to investigating and prosecuting human trafficking; authorizes increased assistance for all victims of trafficking, including U.S. citizens; ensures that countries do not “park” on the State Department’s Tier II Watch List; and establishes a presidential award for extraordinary anti-trafficking efforts.
###
BACKGROUND: Congresswoman Maloney is an original cosponsor of H.R. 3887, the “William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act,” which passed the House overwhelmingly in December 2007. She has worked to combat sex trafficking internationally, nationally, and in her New York City district for the past seven years. Maloney urged state and federal prosecutors to investigate Queens-based Big Apple Oriental Tours and other sex tour operators for criminal violations. She is a strong supporter of federal legislation to strengthen the ability of the government to prosecute sex tour operators.
In 2006, a landmark law to make the United States a leader in combating the worldwide affliction of sex trafficking was enacted. That law incorporated key provisions of the “End Demand for Sex Trafficking Act” championed by Maloney and Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH).
|
