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Congressmen Morgan Luttrell and Chris Deluzio have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at tackling human trafficking. The Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act seeks to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. This amendment would allow funds from the Byrne JAG program to be used for anti-human trafficking initiatives, enhancing efforts to combat sex trafficking across the United States.
Congressman Luttrell emphasized the severity of human trafficking in Texas, stating, "Human trafficking is a heinous crime that has invaded communities across our nation, and Texas currently ranks as the number two state in America for this abuse." He highlighted how cartels have worsened the situation by exploiting open borders and stressed the need for resources to empower law enforcement against traffickers.
Congressman Deluzio expressed his commitment to community safety in Western Pennsylvania. "The folks in Western Pennsylvania who sent me to Congress expect me to do all I can to make our communities safer," he said. He joined Luttrell in leading this legislative effort, aiming to direct more federal resources towards combating human trafficking nationwide.
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is noted as a primary source of federal criminal justice funding for state and local jurisdictions. It supports various areas including law enforcement, prosecution programs, drug treatment, crime victim initiatives, and mental health programs. The proposed legislation seeks to add human trafficking as another focus area for these funds.
The bill has garnered support from several representatives including Dan Crenshaw, Jake Ellzey, Ann Wagner, Andrew Garbarino, Juan Ciscomani, Pete Stauber, Dale Strong, Mike Lawler, Nancy Mace, Don Bacon, Mike Collins, Randy Weber, Maria Salazar, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Michael Guest.