Ocean County Leader

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), an international leader in the fight against human trafficking, issued a statement today on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

"Sadly, as we mark today’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, an estimated 28 million innocent people around the world are entrapped in modern-day slavery—one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises in the world."

Smith highlighted his role in authoring the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, which established a comprehensive approach to combat sex and labor trafficking both within the United States and globally.

"Over twenty years ago, I authored the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, which created a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to combat sex and labor trafficking in the United States and around the world."

He acknowledged that while more than 100 countries have enacted similar laws inspired by TVPA, there is still much work to be done.

"And while more than 100 countries have now followed the United States in enacting their own laws to join this critical fight, it is clear that more must be done."

Smith expressed concern over the persistent prevalence of human trafficking.

"The prevalence of this heinous crime shocks the conscience and serves as a grim reminder that our fight against trafficking must persist—and step up—both at home and abroad."

He also discussed his new legislation—the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act—which aims to enhance and strengthen TVPA. The bill passed overwhelmingly in the House but is currently stalled in the Senate.

"My new legislation—the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act—enhances and strengthens the TVPA and was passed overwhelmingly by the House in February in a landslide vote of 414-11. Despite the broad bipartisan consensus, my bill is currently stalling in the Senate."

Smith called on the Senate to act promptly on this legislation.

"The Senate must stop delaying this comprehensive legislation and immediately pass it to secure critical funding and programming to prevent child trafficking, protect survivors, and bring human traffickers to justice."