U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis says human trafficking is a “human rights crisis happening right here at home.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Tarpon Springs, released this statement today (July 12) after the House of Representatives unanimously passed three bipartisan bills to fight human trafficking in our communities.

“Human trafficking is not a distant problem only occurring in other countries, it’s a human rights crisis happening right here at home. Last year, our state of Florida reported the third highest number of human trafficking cases in the country. With the passage of this legislation, we are implementing a stronger detection system at the federal, state, and local levels,” Bilirakis said.

“I am particularly proud of efforts in the Tampa Bay area, like the joint task force formed by Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Alan Wilkett and BayCare’s Liana Dean. This work continues to bring us closer to a community that is safer for our most vulnerable citizens.”

For information on the bills passed today:

• The Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act (H.R. 2664) gives the Department of Labor the tools necessary to train employees to effectively identify human trafficking in a workplace and quickly report cases.
• The Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act (H.R. 2480) expands eligibility for law enforcement agencies to qualify for federal Department of Justice grants that would assist in the development of programs to fight human trafficking in local communities.
• The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2200) reauthorizes $130 million in resources to increase anti-human trafficking education.

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, more than 7,500 cases of human trafficking were reported in 2016, including 550 cases in Florida.

Bilirakis represents Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes north Pinellas and Pasco counties.

For information about Bilirakis, go to bilirakis.house.gov.

Gus Bilirakis | Human Trafficking | U.S. House | Congress | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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