Representatives McBath, Valadao, Carter, Lee Launch Bipartisan Caucus to Combat Human Trafficking

This press release from Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA) was published on 2026-04-29 and titled "Representatives McBath, Valadao, Carter, Lee Launch Bipartisan Caucus to Combat Human Trafficking". It focuses on taxes and touches on the environment, crime and justice.

Representatives McBath, Valadao, Carter, Lee Launch Bipartisan Caucus to Combat Human Trafficking

Washington, DC - Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06), joined by David Valadao (CA-22), Troy Carter (LA-02), and Laurel Lee (FL-15) this week launched the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. This caucus is a bipartisan coalition of members committed to advancing legislation and policy initiatives that raise public awareness of human trafficking, strengthen the United States' prevention and prosecution efforts, hold traffickers accountable, and protect human trafficking victims. "We are proud to launch the Congressional Combating Human Trafficking Caucus, a bipartisan effort to strengthen Congress's commitment to preventing human trafficking, protecting victims, and holding traffickers accountable," said Rep. McBath. "Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that demands sustained action at every level of government. Through this caucus, we will work to raise public awareness, advance meaningful legislation, and coordinate closely with federal agencies, advocates, and community partners to confront this crime wherever it occurs. I thank my colleagues for their support on this issue. By bringing together members on both sides of the aisle, we are reinforcing our shared responsibility to combat trafficking and ensure that victims are protected." "Human trafficking is a devastating crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our Central Valley communities, and while there's no silver bullet solution, there are actions we can take to fight back," said Rep. Valadao. "I'm proud to launch the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus to strengthen support for victims and survivors, improve coordination across federal, state, and local partners, and hold traffickers accountable. This caucus will engage lived-experience experts and key stakeholders to help guide future legislative action, and I look forward to working with my co-chairs to confront this crisis head on." "Human trafficking is an urgent threat in communities across our nation, and New Orleans is especially vulnerable as a hub for tourism and major events, leading to an increased rate of trafficking. I'm proud to join my colleagues in launching this bipartisan caucus to strengthen coordination at every level of government and hold traffickers accountable. I am committed to elevating survivor voices, protecting vulnerable populations, and ensuring victims have access to the support and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives," said Rep. Troy Carter, Sr. "Human trafficking is an insidious crime that exploits both children and adults and preys on the most vulnerable in our communities," said Rep. Lee. "I am proud to join the Congressional Combatting Human Trafficking Caucus and work alongside my colleagues to combat this abuse and hold traffickers accountable. Throughout my time in Congress, I have introduced and supported legislation focused on protecting victims and strengthening the tools law enforcement needs to stop traffickers. I look forward to continuing that work through this caucus and advancing policies that help protect vulnerable individuals and bring traffickers to justice." Supporting organizations include the American Hotel Lodging Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Gaming Association, Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking, Kids in Need of Defense, Polaris, TAT, Protect All Children from Trafficking, the Empowerment Dess Perkins Foundation, Kings County Sheriff's Department, the Central Valley Justice Coalition, Central Valley Against Human Trafficking, It's a Penalty, 3Strands Global Foundation, Without Permission, Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Kings Community Action Organization, California Commission on Sexual Exploitation, Wellspring Living, and Street Grace. "The creation of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus is a powerful signal that our leaders in Washington are committed to treating this heinous crime with the urgency it demands. The hotel industry has been a leading voice in prevention through our No Room for Trafficking initiative which trains employees and supports survivors. We've long believed that preventing human trafficking requires partnership between the business community and government, and are eager to work more closely with the caucus co-chairs - Representatives David Valadao (R-CA), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Troy Carter (D-LA), and Lucy McBath (D-GA) - and all members of Congress to advance policies that strengthen prevention and support survivors on their path to stability and recovery," said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO, American Hotel Lodging Association. "The U.S. Chamber and our members are committed to combating human trafficking and we commend Rep. David Valadao, Rep. Troy Carter, Rep. Laurel Lee, and Rep. Lucy McBath for launching the Combating Human Trafficking Caucus. The U.S. Chamber looks forward to working with the Combating Human Trafficking Caucus in the fight to stop this heinous crime," said Rodney D