Atlanta, GA — U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (D-Ga.) and House Education and Workforce Chairman Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) and U.S. Senators Jon Husted (R-Ohio) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) today introduced the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill would direct 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. It is an honor to work with Chairman Walberg on this important issue, and I look forward to getting it signed into law,” said McBath.  

“Human trafficking is an evil practice that happens in our backyards, and we must utilize all resources available to combat this heinous crime. DOL employees have a front-line view to detect patterns of human trafficking and labor exploitation. By arming these employees with proper training, we can hold traffickers accountable and protect those who are most vulnerable,” said Walberg. 

“No one should live in fear of exploitation or abuse, and human trafficking is a direct attack on that fundamental freedom and is happening in plain sight, in our neighborhoods, in our workplaces, and our communities. This bill helps the Department of Labor with tools to take action. It’s an important step forward to help stop traffickers and protect victims,” said Slotkin.  

“We must rescue victims from abuse and stop traffickers from preying on vulnerable teens, children, women and men. Department of Labor employees are on the ground conducting workplace inspections, and they need to be able to spot human trafficking behavior in real time. That’s why our bill would equip DOL employees with the education and training necessary to quickly recognize trafficking and report it to law enforcement. Thank you to Chairman Walberg for leading the charge on this issue for years in the House. I’m proud to join him by leading the Senate bill,” said Husted.

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 introduced the companion bill in the United States Senate. Full text of the bill is available here.