U.S. Senator John Thune of South Dakota introduced an amendment on March 16, to include tribes in the anti-trafficking provisions of legislation that had been at a virtual standstill until March 23, when it was passed by the Senate. This ensures that tribal groups are eligible for grants under this law.
WASHINGTON, DC-The United States Senate unanimously passed an anti-human trafficking bill on April 23, intended to fight against the horrors of kidnapping and sex trafficking in the U.S. and throughout the world. The passage of this bill was delayed by the Democrats who obstructed allowing a vote on this legislation due to an anti-abortion amendment attached to the bill.
S.178, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, creates a Domestic Trafficking Victims' Fund to help law enforcement combat trafficking and to assist victims of trafficking. Thune's amendment ensures that tribes are eligible for grants from the fund.
"The untold stories of thousands of Americans, including Native American children, who are sold into modern-day slavery are absolutely bone-chilling, and are undeniably some of most deplorable acts of human-kind," Thune said in a press release. "We can begin to right the wrongs of injustice by passing this important legislation. This bill will help victims of trafficking get the aid and resources they need to restore their lives and help bring traffickers to justice. My amendment would allow tribes and local governments to receive support to combat trafficking and care for Native American children who are victims of human trafficking."
The amendment is similar to one offered by Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), the chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. But it's not clear if either will see the light of day because Republicans and Democrats continue to fight over a provision that prevents the Domestic Trafficking Victims' Fund from being used for abortion services.
The final passage of this bill allowed for the senate to bring forward the nomination of Loretta Lynch as the next Attorney General. Lynch was confirmed to become the first female attorney general, replacing Eric Holder.
