WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22), joined by Reps. Troy Carter (LA-02), Laurel Lee (FL-15), and Lucy McBath (GA-06), launched the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. This caucus is a bipartisan coalition of members committed to advancing legislation and policy initiatives that raise public awareness of human trafficking, strengthen the United States’ prevention and prosecution efforts, hold traffickers accountable, and protect human trafficking victims. 

"Human trafficking is a devastating crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our Central Valley communities, and while there’s no silver bullet solution, there are actions we can take to fight back,” said Congressman Valadao. “I’m proud to launch the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus to strengthen support for victims and survivors, improve coordination across federal, state, and local partners, and hold traffickers accountable. This caucus will engage lived-experience experts and key stakeholders to help guide future legislative action, and I look forward to working with my co-chairs to confront this crisis head on.”

"Human trafficking is an urgent threat in communities across our nation, and New Orleans is especially vulnerable as a hub for tourism and major events, leading to an increased rate of trafficking. I’m proud to join my colleagues in launching this bipartisan caucus to strengthen coordination at every level of government and hold traffickers accountable. I am committed to elevating survivor voices, protecting vulnerable populations, and ensuring victims have access to the support and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives," said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.

“Human trafficking is an insidious crime that exploits both children and adults and preys on the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Rep. Lee. “I am proud to join the Congressional Combatting Human Trafficking Caucus and work alongside my colleagues to combat this abuse and hold traffickers accountable. Throughout my time in Congress, I have introduced and supported legislation focused on protecting victims and strengthening the tools law enforcement needs to stop traffickers. I look forward to continuing that work through this caucus and advancing policies that help protect vulnerable individuals and bring traffickers to justice.”

“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. McBath, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime. “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.”

Supporting organizations include the American Hotel & Lodging Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Gaming Association, Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking, Kids in Need of Defense, Polaris, TAT, Protect All Children from Trafficking, the Empowerment Dess Perkins Foundation, Kings County Sheriff’s Department, the Central Valley Justice Coalition, Central Valley Against Human Trafficking, It's a Penalty, 3Strands Global Foundation, Without Permission, Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Kings Community Action Organization, California Commission on Sexual Exploitation, Wellspring Living, and Street Grace.

"The creation of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus is a powerful signal that our leaders in Washington are committed to treating this heinous crime with the urgency it demands. The hotel industry has been a leading voice in prevention through our No Room for Trafficking initiative which trains employees and supports survivors. We’ve long believed that preventing human trafficking requires partnership between the business community and government, and are eager to work more closely with the caucus co-chairs – Representatives David Valadao (R-CA), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Troy Carter (D-LA), and Lucy McBath (D-GA) – and all members of Congress to advance policies that strengthen prevention and support survivors on their path to stability and recovery,” said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association.

“The U.S. Chamber and our members are committed to combating human trafficking and we commend Rep. David Valadao, Rep. Troy Carter, Rep. Laurel Lee, and Rep. Lucy McBath for launching the Combating Human Trafficking Caucus. The U.S. Chamber looks forward to working with the Combating Human Trafficking Caucus in the fight to stop this heinous crime," said Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

"The AGA is proud to support the launch of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. Human trafficking is an issue that affects communities in all 50 states and requires strong collaboration across government, law enforcement, and community partners. We look forward to working closely with the Caucus and its stakeholders to advance policies and initiatives that strengthen prevention, awareness, and support for survivors,” said Alex Costello, Vice President, American Gaming Association (AGA).

"Human trafficking does not respect borders, and neither can the response to it. The formation of this caucus sends a clear signal that Congress is ready to match the urgency of this crisis with sustained, bipartisan commitment. Combating human trafficking requires more than good intentions, it requires coordinated legislative action. The launch of this caucus strengthens this coordination,” said Anne Basham, Chair, Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking.

"KIND applauds Representatives David Valadao, Troy Carter, Laurel Lee, and Lucy McBath for launching the vital Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. The unaccompanied children that KIND serves too often face trafficking and other exploitation in their countries of origin and the United States alike. For decades, Congress has worked to address these abuses in a robust bipartisan fashion, including by helping ensure that unaccompanied children have attorneys who identify trafficking risks and guide children’s cooperation as victim-witnesses in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators. The caucus embodies this bipartisan approach to preventing and combating trafficking. KIND looks forward to engaging with its members on pragmatic solutions that keep children safe and hold bad actors to account," said Wendy Young, President, Kids in Need of Defense.

"We welcome the establishment of this Caucus and are encouraged by its commitment to elevating the experiences and leadership of those most directly impacted by trafficking. Policies are strongest when they are informed by the realities people face in communities across the country, and when survivor insight and credible data guide the path forward. At Polaris, we believe effective policy must center survivors, protect their privacy and dignity, and draw on the best available data and insights from the field. We look forward to engaging with the Caucus as its agenda develops to help ensure these values remain at the forefront of legislative and policy efforts,” said Megan Lundstrom, CEO, Polaris.

"As a non-profit organization that partners with the transportation industry to combat human trafficking, TAT welcomes the establishment of a bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. Since its founding in 2009, TAT has trained over 2.5 million transportation professionals on how to recognize and report human trafficking. We also train law enforcement and facilitate the creation of public-private partnerships. Recognizing that coordinated approaches are essential, TAT supports the Caucus’ goals of elevating the voices of survivors and partnering with experts to advance policies to prevent human trafficking, recover and support survivors, and hold traffickers accountable,” said Esther Goetsch, Executive Director, TAT.

"PACT—Protect All Children from Trafficking—is thrilled to support the reconstitution of the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. Human trafficking in general, and the commercial sexual exploitation of children in particular, is a terrible crime that transcends national and international borders, and efforts to prevent it must transcend political divisions. PACT looks forward to working with caucus co-chairs David Valadao, Laurel Lee, Lucy McBath, and Troy Carter to advance survivor-centered legislation that strengthens federal anti-trafficking efforts, from supporting the work of federal agencies to prevent trafficking to ensuring accountability for platforms that facilitate exploitation," said Aram Schvey, Senior Director of Policy and Government Relations, PACT.

“The Empowerment Dess Perkins Foundation, is honored to be a part of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus, standing in commitment to protecting our youth, vulnerable individuals, and advancing meaningful solutions to end human trafficking. As a survivor, I believe that what happens to one of us should be the business of all of us. I speak for those who cannot, turning my pain into purpose, helping create legislation, and using my voice to advocate for prevention, protection future generations, and hope for survivors everywhere,” said Dess Perkins, CEO, the Empowerment Dess Perkins Foundation.

“As Sheriff of Kings County, I’m fully committed to this coordinated effort to combat human trafficking both locally and across California’s Central Valley. Like many smaller communities, Kings County has been directly impacted by this crime, and I strongly support measures that increase penalties and strengthen collaborative enforcement efforts. Human trafficking is far more widespread than many realize and often goes unreported. I’m grateful to the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus for taking meaningful action to fight back,” said Dave Putnam, Sheriff, Kings County.

“The Central Valley Justice Coalition is deeply grateful and encouraged by the formation of the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. Since 2010, the Justice Coalition has been focused on preventing human trafficking through education, partnership, and outreach. We are pleased to see our elected officials giving appropriate priority to prevention and early intervention combined with systemic change and informed by survivor voice. We look forward to future conversations as together we work to bring freedom and flourishing to every member of our community,” said Christa Wiens, Executive Director, Central Valley Justice Coalition.

“Fresno EOC Central Valley Against Human Trafficking is proud to support the launch of the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. We are encouraged to see leaders coming together to strengthen national efforts to prevent trafficking and support survivors. As a direct service provider and leading organization of the Central Valley Freedom Coalition, a regional collaborative within California’s Central Valley, we recognize the critical role federal leadership plays in advancing victim-centered responses and prevention strategies. We look forward to continued collaboration to ensure all survivors receive the support and protection they deserve,” said Misty Gattie-Blanco, MS, Director for Sanctuary and Support Services, Central Valley Against Human Trafficking.

"We support the launch of the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus and the opportunity it creates to strengthen coordination and prevention across sectors. Our work, delivered in partnership with frontline organizations and informed by lived experience, shows that addressing trafficking and exploitation requires trauma-informed approaches, stronger systems, and sustained collaboration. Human trafficking is a global issue that demands shared accountability, and we are committed to strengthening prevention and supporting vulnerable populations,” said Sarah de Carvalho, CEO, It’s a Penalty.

“Human trafficking cannot be addressed without centering the expertise of survivors and the organizations working alongside them every day. The formation of the Congressional Combating Human Trafficking Caucus signals a meaningful commitment to bipartisan leadership and survivor-informed policymaking. At 3Strands Global Foundation, we believe prevention, protection, and accountability must work together, and we look forward to partnering with members of Congress to advance solutions that strengthen communities and ensure survivors are not only heard, but empowered to help shape the policies that impact their lives," said Ashlie Bryant, CEO and Co-Founder, 3Strands Global Foundation.

"Since 2012 Without Permission has served 1,162 survivors of sex trafficking throughout Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties, 732 of those were children under the age of 18. Without Permission has three pillars, Prevention, Restoration, and Justice. In Prevention alone we have educated over 50,000 students. In Restoration we work to restore the survivors and support their families on their healing journey. Our Justice department works with District Attorneys, Law Enforcement agencies, and collaborates to provide trainings and education for further victim support and prevention. Without Permission exists to end sex trafficking and we are thrilled and honored to support the Combatting Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. We believe this Caucus will make a huge difference in the fight against Human Trafficking," said Clint Rangel, Director of Prevention, Without Permission.

"The Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking (KCAHT) stands in staunch support of victims and survivors of human trafficking through coordinated, community-based action. Since 2012, KCAHT has led a multidisciplinary approach that unites law enforcement, service providers, and community partners to deliver survivor-centered solutions and disrupt exploitation. KCAHT supports the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus and its commitment to advancing evidence-based policy, strengthening prevention and enforcement efforts, and elevating survivor voices at the national level. We commend the Caucus for its bipartisan leadership and focus on practical, survivor-informed solutions. We stay committed to working alongside federal, state, and local leaders to drive meaningful policy, expand access to critical services, and hold traffickers accountable. Thank you for your continued leadership and dedication to combating human trafficking across the United States," said Dustin Contreras, Co-Director, Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking.

"Kings Community Action Organization is proud to support the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus and its bipartisan commitment to strengthening prevention, protection, and prosecution efforts nationwide. The caucus’s focus on elevating survivor voices, improving coordination across all levels of government, and advancing evidence based policies reflects our shared mission to protect vulnerable populations and hold traffickers accountable. We look forward to collaborating on initiatives that promote safety, justice, and meaningful support for all impacted by trafficking," said Joey Cox, M.A, Director of Intervention, Prevention, and Support Services, Kings Community Action Organization.

"The California Commission on Sexual Exploitation is proud to support the launch of the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. This effort represents a critical step toward strengthening national coordination to prevent trafficking, protect survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable. We commend the leadership of the caucus founders for prioritizing this urgent issue and fostering collaboration across sectors. We look forward to supporting the caucus’s work to advance meaningful policies and solutions that address human trafficking in all its forms," said Dr. Tiara King, CEO, California Commission on Sexual Exploitation.

"The formation of the Congressional Combating Human Trafficking Caucus is a critical step forward in our nation's fight against one of the most heinous crimes imaginable. We are grateful to Rep. Valadao, McBath, Lee, and Carter for standing together in this bipartisan effort. At Street Grace, we know that lasting change requires bold policy, survivor-centered solutions, and unwavering political will and this caucus represents all three. We look forward to partnering with Congress to ensure that every child is protected and every trafficker is held accountable." said Bob Rodgers, CEO, Street Grace.

Caucus priorities include:

• Highlighting legislation that advances evidence-based prevention, programs, and other initiatives to combat human trafficking, including sex and labor trafficking.
• Supporting and enhancing the work of federal agencies to prevent trafficking, disrupt financial networks, improve data collection, hold perpetrators accountable, and protect trafficking survivors.
• Promoting sustained coordination among federal, state, and local partners to address trafficking ahead of large-scale events.
• Advancing policies that ensure access to economic stability, legal remedies, and supportive services for victims of human trafficking. 
• Protecting youth and vulnerable populations through online safety safeguards, early intervention, and accountability for platforms that facilitate exploitation.

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