Luttrell, Deluzio Introduce Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking

Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA) introduced the Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act, which amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to permit Byrne JAG program funds to be used for anti-human trafficking efforts. 
 
“Human trafficking affects communities across our country, and Houston, Texas is currently the top city in America for these horrific crimes. Tragically, the problem is only getting worse as cartels exploit our open border,” said Congressman Luttrell. “This crucial, commonsense legislation provides law enforcement the resources to combat the traffickers who threaten and force men, women, and children into modern day slavery. We cannot allow human traffickers to continue to run amuck in our communities.”
 
“I came to Congress to fight for the people of Western Pennsylvania and to make our communities safer,” said Rep. Deluzio. “I’m glad to join with Congressman Luttrell on the Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act to get more federal resources in the fight against the scourge of human trafficking.”
 
“Human trafficking is a disgusting violation of human rights and an abhorrent criminal industry that continues growing, even here in the United States,” said Rep. McCaul. “I’m honored to support this crucial legislation to provide our brave servicemen and women the resources necessary to combat this modern-day form of slavery.”
 
“Fighting human trafficking requires an all-of-the-above approach and full cooperation between the federal government and state and local partners. This legislation will allow state and local jurisdictions to tap into already existing criminal justice funding and use it specifically for their anti-trafficking efforts.  At a time when perpetrators of this vile crime are becoming increasingly more sophisticated in their methods, our law enforcement must use every tool at their disposal to protect victims and bring their traffickers to justice,” said Rep. Wagner.
 
"It's past time leaders in Washington acknowledge that there is evil coming across our border in the form of trafficking children for the purposes of the sex trade," said Ellzey. "I am proud to join my colleagues in empowering law enforcement to combat not only this sex trafficking, but all the trafficking across our nation. This legislation addresses symptoms and strikes at the root of a heinous crime. The Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act recognizes that we cannot tolerate the exploitation of women and children anymore and helps ensure that law enforcement is equipped to help deal with this problem head-on."
 
“The Interstate 5 corridor places Oregon at the heart of sex trafficking activity, but convictions in the Pacific Northwest have not kept pace with an increase in identified victims. We must explore all options available to help local law enforcement tackle the heinous crime of human trafficking and hold perpetrators accountable,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “By expanding federal grant opportunities for state and local governments, this commonsense proposal will provide law enforcement officials with additional resources to disrupt trafficking networks and keep our communities safe. I appreciate Congressman Luttrell’s leadership and look forward to working together to pass this critical legislation.”
 
"The Lowcountry is home to counties with high rates of sex trafficking in South Carolina. Our commitment lies in implementing real solutions to reduce demand for these egregious violations of human rights, especially during a time when the open southern border serves as a lucrative channel for this kind of heinous and illicit activity. Programs at the state and local levels are crucial for demand reduction, so let’s ensure they have the necessary tools to address this issue,” said Rep. Mace.
 
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: Michael McCaul (R-TX), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Don Bacon (R-NE), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Jake Ellzey (R-TX).

Read more in the Fox News coverage here.