Take Action: Support the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2011
God tells us in his Word that he will rescue his scattered flock, look after them, and shepherd them with justice (Ezekiel 34:12-16). As recipients of this active grace, Jesus left us with a command to care for his sheep (John 21:15-19). A tangible way for us to demonstrate Christ’s love for the world is by advocating for policies that reflect God’s justice.
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 is the cornerstone of U.S. policies to fight modern-day slavery. The TVPA was the first comprehensive federal law to address human trafficking, with a focus on both the domestic and international dimensions of this heinous crime.
The TVPA must be renewed every few years. The methods of human traffickers are constantly evolving, so the law must evolve with them. Each time the bill is renewed, innovations and improvements are added. The TVPA expired on September 30, 2011.
The Senate bill (S.1301) makes improvements to the TVPA that will better assist human trafficking victims, as well as prosecutors and law enforcement, including:
* Creating programs to provide technical assistance to foreign governments to investigate labor recruitment centers where trafficking victims may be recruited;
* Establishing Child Protection Compacts for foreign governments to cooperate with the U.S. to prevent exploitation and abuse against children, including reducing severe forms of trafficking in children;
* Creating a grant program to develop, expand, and strengthen assistance programs for minor victims of sex trafficking;
* Expanding the use of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations law against traffickers;
* Including minor victims of human trafficking as those who may file claims for civil remedies under the PROTECT Act;
* Protecting threatened family members of trafficking victims;
* Encouraging the distribution and posting of the National Human Trafficking Resource Center within Federal Agencies as well as by states;
* Requiring stricter regulations for contractor employees abroad to work within the U.S.;
* Strengthening enforcement of child exploitation laws against U.S. citizens living abroad; and
* Providing assistance for minor victims of trafficking.
The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2011 (TVPRA, S. 1301) is currently stalled in the Senate. As a result, the most vulnerable of society no longer have the TVPA to protect them against exploitation and trafficking.
Take Action Today!
Call or write your Senators, encouraging them to approve the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2011 immediately!
Calling your representatives is easy!
Call the Capitol Switchboard Operator at 202-224-3121 and ask to be transferred to your Senator's office. When you are transferred to the receptionist for each office, ask to speak to the person who handles issues relating to health and human services.
What do I say?
My name is _______________ and I am a constituent from ________ (state). I urge you to support the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 1301) during this session of Congress. This legislation provides protection and support for the most vulnerable of society at risk of exploitation and trafficking. As a Christian, I believe that we are called to protect the vulnerable from exploitation and advocate justice on their behalf. That's why I hope you'll support the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2011. Thank you!"