One year ago, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act — the centerpiece of U.S. policies against modern-day slavery around the world — expired because Congress failed to reauthorize it in time. Since then, concerned citizens and groups who work to protect children have advocated for the reauthorization bill to be passed.
Below is our latest update from Jesse Eaves, World Vision’s child protection policy adviser.
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“Our fight against human trafficking is one of the great human rights causes of our time, and the United States will continue to lead it…”
—President Barack Obama, September 25, 2012
You said it, President Obama! Did you see the president give the first presidential address on human trafficking? If not, you should.
If you did, then you saw the leader of the free world give you a shout-out again and again. From commending faith-based groups and college students for their efforts, to calling out Congress for their failure to pass the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, this entire speech was a nod to the power of your voice.
The battle continues
There’s no doubt about it. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act is like Lazarus. It keeps coming back to life! We have you to thank for that.
Six new cosponsors have signed on in the past two weeks. We can expect even more now that President Obama has expressed his support.
Even though the Senate has adjourned until after the election, their offices are still open, and we can still add supporters and get to the magic number of 60 cosponsors.
Is your state listed below? We need your voice!
We’ve identified some senators whose support can help push us over the edge. If you are from any of these states or know anyone from these states, make a call to ask them to support S.1301 — and then Tweet or Facebook them and urge them to cosponsor and then vote “yes” on S.1301.
| Carper (D-DE) Snowe (R-ME) Lugar (R-IN) |
Levin (D-MI) Kohl (D-WI) Inouye (D-HI) |
McCaskill (D-MO) Reid (D-NV) Warner (D-VA) |
After that, we’ll turn our sights to the House of Representatives to make sure that the United States continues to be a global leader in combating modern slavery.
You play a central role in this. Keep it up. Let’s give hope to the millions of slaves who we pray will soon be free.
As the president said, “We see you and we hear you.” Let’s make sure we all follow through and work for the freedom of all people through our voices, our wallets, and our prayers.
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I am appalled! I was informed by the Washington state representatives that they would never let the human trafficking to continue! Since I’ve often seen children that were kidnapped end up living in a place not far from my residence, just how can I bring a good solid and clear effect to get children returned to their own parents? As well as make it completely understood and prevent having to deal with police and multiple government agencies in my area who simply ignore all of this?! In fact, routinely fabricate me as responsible for what I’ve never done rather than claim it as actually happening instead? JM
It’s shameful that Congress let this go.
Sen. Kohl of WI is retiring. I have called his office twice (as have others). Even though a case of human trafficking was prosecuted in Milw., WI and I informed his staff of a case in my own small rural community, he has refused to act. I received a similar response from Sen. Johnson of WI. There are appropriated funds attached to this bill, so they won’t act.