U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has reintroduced a comprehensive set of four bills aimed at combating human trafficking and safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. The legislative package includes the SAVE Girls Act, National Human Trafficking Database Act, End Child Trafficking Now Act, and PRINTS Act.
“Human trafficking is a vile crime, and we need to do everything in our power to deter criminals and trafficking rings from preying on innocent men, women, and children,” said Senator Blackburn. “These bills would establish a national human trafficking database, authorize additional funding to prevent trafficking, combat child recycling at the border, and prevent traffickers from smuggling children across the border by requiring a DNA test to determine the relationship of accompanying children.”
Stopping the Abuse, Victimization, and Exploitation of Girls (SAVE Girls) Act
Purpose: Provides states, local governments, and non-profits with critical resources to combat the trafficking of young women and girls.
Co-Sponsors: Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.).
Highlights: Allocates funding for prevention programs, victim support services, and anti-trafficking education initiatives.
National Human Trafficking Database Act
Purpose: Establishes a national database within the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime and encourages state law enforcement agencies to report trafficking data.
Co-Sponsors: Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).
Background: Modeled after Tennessee’s successful data collection program in partnership with Belmont University and anti-trafficking organization Engage Together.
End Child Trafficking Now Act
Purpose: Requires DNA testing to verify the relationship between illegal immigrants and accompanying children at the border.
Co-Sponsors: Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and others.
Objective: Prevents traffickers from falsely claiming guardianship over minors to exploit them.
Preventing the Recycling of Immigrants is Necessary for Trafficking Suspension (PRINTS) Act
Purpose: Authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to fingerprint non-citizens under 14 years old to combat human trafficking and child recycling.
Co-Sponsors: Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and others.
Impact: Enhances identification processes to prevent repeated exploitation of children by trafficking rings.
The package demonstrates bipartisan efforts to address the escalating human trafficking crisis. Senator Blackburn highlighted the importance of leveraging resources and data to dismantle trafficking networks and support survivors.
Human trafficking remains a significant issue, with thousands of cases reported annually. According to the Department of Homeland Security, traffickers often exploit vulnerabilities in border security and immigration systems. This legislation seeks to close such loopholes and equip law enforcement and communities with effective tools to combat the crime.
The bills will now proceed to the Senate for consideration, with advocates optimistic about bipartisan support. “This is about saving lives and protecting our communities,” Senator Blackburn concluded.
