US Senate to Begin Hearing on Human Trafficking Bill

According to a Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell statement, the US Senate will being hearing on the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US Senate will being hearing on the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act on Tuesday, Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell announced in a statement.

“Senators from both sides of the aisle, and from multiple committees, have worked hard to address the terrible crime of human trafficking. This is a growing area of domestic and international criminal activity. And victims are counting on us to act,” the statement, issued on Monday, said.

“That’s why, tomorrow, the Senate will begin consideration of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act,” it added.

McConnell noted he was hopeful that there would be “strong bipartisan support” for the bill that victims and human trafficking advocates call the “most comprehensive and thoughtful piece of anti-trafficking legislation currently pending.”

The bill would expand and further develop domestic local child human trafficking deterrence programs and help with victim rescue programs. Additionally, the bill would create a specialized training program for law enforcement, judicial officials and prosecutors to help with investigating and preventing human trafficking in the US.