The federal government maintains a zero tolerance policy toward human trafficking, defined as the use of another for compelled service through whatever means necessary, but more commonly understood as modern-day slavery.
Not surprisingly, combatting human trafficking is one of those rare issues that enjoys bipartisan support on Capitol Hill. Indeed, Congress has taken a number of proactive steps in recent years to strengthen and enforce anti-trafficking efforts.
Before adjourning for its summer recess earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed several new bills designed to further strengthen anti-trafficking programs, including a bill (H.R. 2200) that, if enacted, will impact anti-trafficking policies and programs of federal contractors specifically in the airline and hotel and lodging industries. In addition, the bill includes new reporting programs regarding contractor trafficking allegations, resolutions, and other anti-trafficking assistance.
On the other side of the Capitol, the U.S. Senate has passed its own version of anti-trafficking legislation focused more on criminal deterrence. Although the Senate measure does not include the House-approved contractor provisions, it sets the stage for a possible consensus measure negotiated by the House and Senate that could be acted upon before the end of the year.
The text of the House-passed H.R. 2200, the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2017, is available here.
Members of the Center for Workplace Compliance (CWC) can read more here.