With an estimated 27 million of God’s children around the globe experiencing human trafficking—which includes forced labor, domestic servitude, child soldiers, sex trafficking, and forced marriage—the time to act is now. Trafficking happens within the United States and across international borders, making it both a domestic and international crisis.  Historically, human trafficking is a bipartisan issue and anti-trafficking legislation has had strong support from both parties. President Trump has also signaled his support for anti-trafficking programs, so both the President and Congress must uphold this commitment.   

As a faith community called to advocate alongside the most vulnerable, we urge this Congress to pass HR 1144 the Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) to ensure funding for prevention efforts and survivor support services. Survivors deserve to heal and thrive, which starts with having access to life-saving support. This legislation would support successful programs enacted by the original TVPRA while also creating new programs and strengthening laws to prevent trafficking, protect survivors, and prosecute perpetrators.  

The original Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act was passed in 2000 and provides the legal definition and framework for prosecuting and addressing human trafficking in the United States. Each reauthorization gives survivors, advocates, activists, and legislators the opportunity to create and expand crucial programs that support trafficking survivors and help create a safer world. Programs that are currently being funded by the previous TVPRA are set to expire soon. It is critical that this legislation is brought to a vote by Congress before survivors lose access to these much-needed services. The reality of human trafficking is influenced by a variety of issues, such as racism, unequal access to healthcare, worker protections, gender-based violence, housing inequality, and forced migration. We cannot address human trafficking without simultaneously reckoning with these intersecting problems that disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. We cannot allow Congress to end funding for the critical programs that address these issues. 

Trafficking human beings is a sin and a cruel violation of human rights. The violence done to the physical, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing of people who are forced into human trafficking is a violation of the call of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to love our neighbors as ourselves. As people of faith, we are called to end human trafficking in all its forms to usher in a just world for all.  

Urge your members of Congress to pass the Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act today.