Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn, Amy Klobuchar, and Cindy Hyde-Smith have reintroduced the Stopping the Abuse, Victimization, and Exploitation of Girls (SAVE Girls) Act. The bipartisan bill aims to provide states, local governments, and non-profits with resources to combat the trafficking of young women and girls.

The proposed legislation would authorize an additional $50 million for a grant program designed to prevent trafficking, especially among vulnerable children who have been smuggled across borders. Senator Blackburn emphasized the urgency of addressing human trafficking as a growing criminal industry. "Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing criminal industries," she stated. "We cannot continue to allow criminal cartels to flourish while they rape, trade, and exploit women and girls."

Senator Klobuchar highlighted the need for comprehensive efforts against human smuggling and trafficking: “We must do all we can to prevent human smuggling and trafficking across both our country’s borders.” She noted that the legislation would equip states, local governments, and nonprofits with essential resources.

Senator Hyde-Smith expressed concern over increased opportunities for traffickers due to open border policies in recent years. “I’ve seen firsthand the trauma and suffering experienced by young girls trafficked across our southern border,” she said. The SAVE Girls Act would allocate new resources to protect vulnerable youth from child trafficking.

According to estimates from the State Department, between 14,500 and 17,500 individuals are trafficked into the United States each year. Trafficking predominantly affects women and girls; nearly one in four victims in the U.S. is reported to be a child.

The SAVE Girls Act allows grants awarded by the U.S. Attorney General and Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in consultation with the Secretary of State. These grants aim at preventing smuggling at borders while supporting survivors so they do not remain victims of trafficking.

The bill clarifies that it will not disrupt existing legal frameworks under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act but intends to provide additional support against this humanitarian crisis affecting girls nationwide.