Washington, DC — Today, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce unanimously approved legislation led by U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (D-Ga.) and House Education and Workforce Chairman Tim Walberg (R-Mich.). The Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act is a bipartisan, bicameral bill directing the Department of Labor (DOL) to train its employees to identify human trafficking and refer suspected trafficking crimes to law enforcement. 

“Whether it is forced labor in a sweatshop or sexual slavery, human trafficking is truly reprehensible and has no place in the United States. Traffickers prey upon the most vulnerable in our society, targeting women and children. This effort will enhance the Department of Labor’s ability to identify and protect victims as well as hold perpetrators accountable. I was proud to vote to pass my bill and thank my colleagues for their support,” said McBath.  

In 2024, law enforcement recorded 342 human trafficking cases involving 573 victims in Georgia. The bill also requires the DOL to submit a report to Congress detailing its training and referral efforts no later than one year after the DOL implements the program.  

Senators Husted and Slotkin lead the companion bill in the United States Senate. Full text of the bill is available here.