1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

I urge this Congress to pass the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) to ensure funding for prevention efforts and survivor support services. Survivors deserve to heal and thrive, which starts with having access to life-saving support. This legislation would support successful programs enacted by the original TVPRA while also creating new programs to educate the public and strengthening laws to prevent trafficking, protect survivors, and prosecute perpetrators. The original Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act was passed in 2000 and provides the legal definition and framework for prosecuting and addressing human trafficking in the United States. Each reauthorization gives survivors, advocates, activists, and legislators the opportunity to create and expand crucial programs that support trafficking survivors and help create a safer world. Programs that are currently being funded by the previous TVPRA are set to expire soon. It is critical that this legislation is brought to a vote by Congress before survivors lose access to these much-needed services. The reality of human trafficking is influenced by a variety of issues, such as racism, unequal access to healthcare, worker protections, gender-based violence, housing inequality, and forced migration. We cannot address human trafficking without simultaneously reckoning with these intersecting problems that disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. We cannot allow Congress to end funding for the critical programs that address these issues.