Memphis Standard

Ahead of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has reintroduced a series of four bills aimed at combating human trafficking. The legislative package includes the SAVE Girls Act, National Human Trafficking Database Act, End Child Trafficking Now Act, and PRINTS Act.

Senator Blackburn stated, "Human trafficking is a vile crime, and we need to do everything in our power to deter criminals and trafficking rings from preying on innocent men, women, and children." She emphasized that these bills aim to establish a national human trafficking database, authorize additional funding for prevention efforts, combat child recycling at the border, and require DNA tests to verify relationships between children and accompanying adults at the border.

The SAVE Girls Act seeks to provide states, local governments, and non-profits with resources needed to end the trafficking of young women and girls. This bill is co-sponsored by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.).

The National Human Trafficking Database Act proposes creating a national database within the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime. It encourages state law enforcement agencies to report data following a successful program in Tennessee by Belmont University’s Data Collaborative and Engage Together. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) also co-sponsors this legislation.

The End Child Trafficking Now Act requires DNA testing to confirm relationships between illegal immigrants crossing the border and any accompanying children. Co-sponsors include Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah).

Lastly, the PRINTS Act grants U.S. Customs and Border Patrol authority to fingerprint non-citizens under 14 years old as part of efforts against human trafficking and child recycling. Co-sponsors are Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).