Congresswoman Lawrence Statement on Bills to Combat Human Trafficking

Washington, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — Congresswoman Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) released the following statement after the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved of two bills to combat human trafficking on our nation’s highways:

“As the Vice Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan Caucus for Women’s Issues, I am pleased to see both human trafficking bills approved with bipartisan support by the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee today. Human trafficking is an atrocious crime that disproportionally exploits women and especially young girls,” said Congresswoman Lawrence. “Commercial drivers play a central role in the fight against human trafficking, often serving as the first line of defense. By strengthening systems to recognize and report trafficking, and closing loopholes to traffickers who seek to exploit our transportation system for their personal gain, we are making progress towards combatting human trafficking.”

“This is an inexcusable crime,” Rep. Lawrence continued. “I represent a major international transportation and shipping hub, including the city of Detroit in Southeast Michigan. Combatting the growing problem of human trafficking is a serious concern of mine. These bills unite the Department of Transportation with the transportation industry in the fight against these crimes. I am proud to support both of these bills today and urge their quick passage in the full House.

The two bills approved by the Committee for consideration by the full House include:

H.R. 3814 – No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act, sponsored by Rep. John Katko (R-NY) disqualifies individuals from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for their lifetime if they used a CMV to commit a felony involving human trafficking.

H.R. 3813 – Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act, sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT) directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to designate a human trafficking prevention coordinator. The legislation also allows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to carry out human trafficking outreach and education, which will assist programs already occurring in many states to educate truck drivers and other commercial drivers so they can help with human trafficking prevention.

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