North Austin News

WASHINGTON – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) is showing his support for the fight against human trafficking by cosponsoring the Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act. The legislation is led by Congressmen Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas) and Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) and aims to provide more resources to combat the modern-day form of slavery.

McCaul expressed his commitment to the cause, stating, “Human trafficking is a disgusting violation of human rights and an abhorrent criminal industry that continues growing, even here in the United States. I’m honored to support this crucial legislation to provide our brave servicemen and women the resources necessary to combat this modern-day form of slavery.”

Luttrell highlighted the urgency of the issue, especially in Houston, Texas, stating, “Human trafficking affects communities across our country, and Houston, Texas is currently the top city in America for these horrific crimes. Tragically, the problem is only getting worse as cartels exploit our open border. This crucial, commonsense legislation provides law enforcement the resources to combat the traffickers who threaten and force men, women, and children into modern-day slavery.”

Deluzio also emphasized the importance of the legislation in making communities safer, saying, “I came to Congress to fight for the people of Western Pennsylvania and to make our communities safer. I’m glad to join with Congressman Luttrell on the Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act to get more federal resources in the fight against the scourge of human trafficking.”

The Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act aims to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow Byrne JAG program funds to be used for anti-human trafficking efforts. This legislation is crucial in providing law enforcement with the necessary resources to combat human trafficking, which is a growing concern across the United States.

The legislation has garnered support from a number of Representatives including Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Jenniffer González-Colón (R-Puerto Rico), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), and Jake Ellzey (R-Texas).

This bipartisan effort is aimed at addressing the issue of human trafficking and providing law enforcement with the tools and resources needed to combat this heinous crime.