U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) have introduced new bipartisan legislation, the “Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act,” aimed at leveraging the nation’s highway system to fight human trafficking.
The bill proposes allowing states greater flexibility with federal funding to install human trafficking awareness signage at rest areas and welcome centers along Interstate Highways.
The initiative seeks to educate the public on recognizing signs of trafficking and provide resources to better support survivors. Both senators emphasized that traffickers utilize the same transportation networks as the general public, creating opportunities for intervention.
“As human traffickers move their victims across the country, they travel on the same highways and visit the same rest stops and gas stations as everyone else, which creates multiple opportunities to identify these victims,” said Senator Blackburn. “This bipartisan legislation would give all states the flexibility to take advantage of signage campaigns that have been proven effective to rescue more men, women, and children from this heinous crime.”
Senator Klobuchar highlighted the proven success of public awareness campaigns in combating this issue. “We must do everything in our power to stop human trafficking, and public awareness campaigns are a proven, effective tool to combat this issue,” she stated. “This bill will give law enforcement crucial information to take on criminals and get more victims to safety.”
Human trafficking is a vast criminal enterprise, generating over $250 billion in profits annually worldwide. In the United States, victims are frequently transported across state lines using the interstate system. Identifying victims during transit is crucial for disrupting trafficking rings, and public awareness plays a key role.
As evidence of the potential impact, the senators cited a signage campaign in Texas that resulted in a 30 percent increase in calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline and led to the identification of over 1,000 survivors.
Specifically, the Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act would:
Amend the list of eligible projects under the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program and the RAISE Discretionary Grant Program to explicitly include the procurement and installation of human trafficking awareness signage at interstate rest stops and welcome centers.
Expand the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking by adding a 16th seat designated for a representative from state departments of transportation.
The legislation has received endorsements from numerous anti-trafficking organizations, including Truckers Against Trafficking, Polaris Project, A21, Engage Together, Street Grace, and Hope for Justice, among many others.
