The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 4307, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, a bipartisan bill led by Representative Lucy McBath of Georgia and Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg of Michigan. The legislation aims to improve the Department of Labor’s (DOL) ability to identify and respond to cases of human trafficking.
“Today, the House took an important step forward in the fight against human trafficking and passed our bipartisan bill. By strengthening the Department of Labor’s ability to train personnel to recognize and report the warning signs of trafficking, we are reinforcing our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable from exploitation and abuse. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that demands vigilance, coordination, and accountability at every level of government. I am proud to see my bill advance in the Congress, and I thank Chairman Walberg for his collaboration as we remain committed to ensuring that victims are protected and perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Congresswoman McBath.
Chairman Walberg added: “Today, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle took a stand in denouncing the scourge of human trafficking. Very often, Department of Labor employees are the first to encounter signs of human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation; the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act provides these employees with the tools and knowledge needed to detect and address this heinous crime. I was proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan bill alongside Congresswoman McBath to protect the most vulnerable, including women and children, from exploitation.”
The new law sets guidelines for DOL staff so they have appropriate resources for reporting labor or sexual exploitation. It also creates a framework for DOL employees working with law enforcement agencies on prevention efforts and calls for more transparency from DOL regarding detection practices.
Representative McBath currently serves in Congress representing Georgia’s 7th district after replacing Karen Handel in 2019. In 2024, she secured reelection by defeating Jeff Criswell with about 75% of the vote. Born in Joliet, Illinois in 1960, McBath lives in Marietta and holds a BA from Virginia State University.
