Impactt Human Trafficking Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act, which I introduced alongside Senator Peters early last year.

Thousands of men, women, and children are victimized by human traffickers in the United States each year. Ohio is consistently ranked among the States most heavily impacted by human trafficking incidents. Traffickers threaten, deceive, and manipulate their victims, forcing them into what amounts to modern-day slavery.

As a former prosecutor, I understand the importance of caring for victims, punishing perpetrators, and ensuring that law enforcement personnel also receive the resources and attention they need when investigating these heinous crimes.

This bill would codify and expand the Victim Assistance Program at HSI to provide much-needed support for victims and other individuals impacted by human trafficking.

The bill also makes permanent a program focused on promoting the well-being of HSI employees and partners who are repeatedly exposed to trauma and stress during the course of their work with victims and associated investigations. These law enforcement personnel are consistently exposed to some of the worst humanity has to offer, and they are working to protect the most vulnerable. We should do everything in our power to safeguard their well-being and make sure they have the resources they need to protect their mental health and continue to do this admirable work.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Senator Peters for his continued leadership on this issue and my colleagues in the House for their critical partnership on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill today.

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