Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Amy Klobuchar have put forward the Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act, proposing greater flexibility in the use of federal funds to promote awareness of human trafficking. The bill aims to facilitate the posting of signs at rest stops and welcome centers along the Interstate System, providing vital information for the identification and support of trafficking victims.

Senator Blackburn stated, “As human traffickers move their victims across the country, they travel on the same highways and visit the same rest stops and gas stations as everyone else, which creates multiple opportunities to identify these victims.” She emphasized that the bill would allow states to utilize effective signage campaigns to assist more victims.

Senator Klobuchar highlighted the importance of public awareness, declaring, “We must do everything in our power to stop human trafficking, and public awareness campaigns are a proven, effective tool to combat this issue.” She pointed out that the legislation is designed to equip law enforcement with critical information to combat trafficking effectively.

Human trafficking, a lucrative criminal enterprise, generates over $250 billion annually. Victims are often transported via the United States' interstate system. Public awareness campaigns have played a significant role in identifying victims and disrupting trafficking networks. For instance, a campaign in Texas led to a 30 percent increase in calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline and helped identify over 1,000 survivors.

The Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act would amend existing programs to fund human trafficking awareness signage and add a new representative seat to the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking.

The initiative has garnered support from several organizations, including Truckers Against Trafficking, Engage Together, Street Grace, and others committed to combating human trafficking.