05.19.15

Bill to Combat Sex Trafficking Headed to President’s Desk

House Passes the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, which includes Sullivan’s Mann Act Cooperation Amendment

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) released the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed S. 178, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, which includes Sen. Sullivan’s Mann Act Cooperation amendment.

“I’m extremely pleased that once again, Congress is proving that it’s working hard for the people, particularly the most vulnerable among us,” said Sen. Sullivan.  “Human trafficking is a scourge. This legislation will help protect victims and bring those who commit these heinous crimes to justice.”

Background on Sen. Sullivan’s Mann Act Cooperation Amendment:

Senator Sullivan’s amendment allows and encourages federal prosecutors to work with state officials to prosecute Mann Act violations-- the federal law that makes it a criminal offense to transport someone between states for the purpose of prostitution and human trafficking--while increasing transparency. The goal of this amendment is to enable the resources and cooperation between state and federal prosecutors to ensure all cases of human trafficking are pursued, and victims have justice.

The amendment was co-sponsored by Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

 “When I was Alaska’s attorney general, there was a high-profile case that my department petitioned the federal government to prosecute under the Mann Act, but it never happened and justice was denied,” Sen. Sullivan said after S. 178 passed the U.S. Senate in April.

The bill now awaits the president’s signature.

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