Representatives Lucy McBath, David Valadao, Troy Carter, and Laurel Lee announced on Mar. 19 the formation of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus, a bipartisan group focused on advancing legislation and policy initiatives to address human trafficking across the United States.
The new caucus aims to raise public awareness about human trafficking, strengthen prevention and prosecution efforts, hold traffickers accountable, and protect victims. The initiative brings together lawmakers from both parties as well as support from a wide range of organizations including advocacy groups, law enforcement agencies, and industry associations.
“We are proud to launch the Congressional Combating Human Trafficking Caucus, a bipartisan effort to strengthen Congress’s commitment to preventing human trafficking, protecting victims, and holding traffickers accountable,” said Rep. Lucy McBath. “Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that demands sustained action at every level of government. Through this caucus, we will work to raise public awareness, advance meaningful legislation, and coordinate closely with federal agencies, advocates, and community partners to confront this crime wherever it occurs. I thank my colleagues for their support on this issue. By bringing together members on both sides of the aisle, we are reinforcing our shared responsibility to combat trafficking and ensure that victims are protected.”
Rep. Valadao said: “Human trafficking is a devastating crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our Central Valley communities… I’m proud to launch the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus to strengthen support for victims and survivors… This caucus will engage lived-experience experts and key stakeholders to help guide future legislative action.” Rep. Carter highlighted New Orleans’ vulnerability due to tourism: “I am committed to elevating survivor voices, protecting vulnerable populations, and ensuring victims have access to the support and opportunities they need.” Rep. Lee added: “Throughout my time in Congress, I have introduced and supported legislation focused on protecting victims… I look forward to continuing that work through this caucus.”
The caucus has received endorsements from organizations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Gaming Association (AGA), Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking (IPTFHT), Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), Polaris Project, TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking), Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT), Empowerment Dess Perkins Foundation, Kings County Sheriff’s Department among others.
Rosanna Maietta of AHLA said: “The creation of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus is a powerful signal that our leaders in Washington are committed… We’ve long believed that preventing human trafficking requires partnership between the business community and government…” Rodney Davis from U.S. Chamber said: “The U.S. Chamber looks forward to working with the Combating Human Trafficking Caucus in the fight to stop this heinous crime.” Alex Costello from AGA stated: “We look forward to working closely with the Caucus…”
Lucy McBath currently serves in Congress representing Georgia’s 7th district after replacing Karen Handel in 2019 according to her biography. She was born in Joliet, Illinois in 1960 and lives in Marietta as reported by Congress.gov. McBath graduated from Virginia State University with a BA degree in 1982 according to her biography. In 2024 she defeated Jeff Criswell by winning nearly three-quarters of votes cast according to Ballotpedia.
Caucus priorities include supporting evidence-based prevention programs against sex and labor trafficking; enhancing federal agency efforts; promoting coordination ahead of large-scale events; advancing policies for economic stability for survivors; improving legal remedies; providing supportive services; safeguarding youth online; early intervention; and accountability for platforms facilitating exploitation.
Supporters say these coordinated efforts represent an important step toward addressing what many describe as one of society’s most urgent challenges.
