Luttrell, Deluzio Introduce Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking
WASHINGTON -- Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA) have introduced the bipartisan Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act. This legislation amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, allowing Byrne JAG program funds to support critical anti-human trafficking initiatives and strengthen efforts to combat sex trafficking nationwide. Congressman Luttrell also penned an op-ed in the Washington Times this week, underscoring the importance of addressing human trafficking. Read it here.
“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that has invaded communities across our nation, and Texas currently ranks as the number two state in America for this abuse,” said Congressman Luttrell. “Tragically, the situation was further exacerbated as cartels exploited our open border. We must draw a hard line, and this legislation will provide law enforcement the resources to do just that. Human traffickers cannot be allowed to terrorize and exploit our communities any longer.”
“The folks in Western Pennsylvania who sent me to Congress expect me to do all I can to make our communities safer,” said Congressman Deluzio. “That’s why I am glad to join Congressman Luttrell to co-lead the ‘Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act’ to direct more federal resources to fight the source of human trafficking across America.”
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. The Byrne JAG Program currently provides states and local governments with critical funding necessary to support a range of program areas, including law enforcement, prosecution and court programs, drug treatment and enforcement, crime victim and witness initiatives, and mental health programs. Congressman Luttrell’s legislation adds another category to address human trafficking.
This legislation is cosponsored by Representatives: Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Dale Strong (R-AL), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Collins (R-GA), Randy Weber (R-TX), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Michael Guest (R-MS).