The House Committee on International Relations today passed U.S. Rep. Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 (H.R. 972), legislation that strengthens the nation’s current trafficking law (also authored by Smith), authorizes new funds for investigation and prosecution of domestic trafficking within the United States. Smith’s bill – which will now be brought to the floor of the House of Representatives for passage – ensures that the United States will continue to lead the global battle against modern-day human slavery. According to estimates by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the bill will provide $354 million to combat trafficking.

    "We have made significant progress over the past few years to combat human trafficking, through stronger laws, increased awareness, and better law enforcement," said Smith, who was appointed Special Representative for Human Trafficking for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly in 2004. "These are predominantly women and children that have seen the absolute worst of life and are most in need of our compassion and support." 

    Smith’s bill reauthorizes appropriations for anti-trafficking programs in the United States and abroad and offers solutions to specific scenarios where additional initiatives are needed to combat trafficking problems including occurrences of sexual exploitation by UN peacekeepers. Early this year – as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations – Smith held hearings about the 150 allegations of gross sexual misconduct and exploitation of refugees by UN peacekeepers and civilian personnel assigned to the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In recent years, the UN has struggled to deal with similar allegations in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    "Actions must speak louder than words, and the UN owes it to the victims of peacekeeper misconduct to act and adopt a binding uniform code of conduct for all peacekeeping personnel," said Smith, who also noted that the UN needs to put in place a comprehensive plan for victim assistance.

    Smith’s bill also authorizes new funds to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and grants to state and local law enforcement for the domestic and international investigation and prosecution of trafficking. It enables prosecution in the United States of trafficking offenses committed by federal government employees, and amends the United States Code to apply Money Laundering, racketeering and civil criminal forfeiture statutes against traffickers. 

    "With a crime as abhorrent as human trafficking, it is essential that the United States takes the lead and that includes within our own borders," said Smith, who also noted that the UN needs to put in place a comprehensive plan for victim assistance.

    Smith’s bill also addressed the American and foreign victims of human trafficking and includes provisions to help reintegrate them to a normal life. It authorizes a grants program for Non-governmental Organization victim service providers, establishes programs for residential rehabilitation facilities and facilitates access to information about federally funded services for victims. 

    "The victims of this terrible crime cannot be forgotten," said Smith, who has fought for human and victims rights since coming to Congress. "The 2005 Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act strengthens and expands our efforts and allows law enforcement to continue to liberate the women and children who are forced and coerced into slavery, and should be passed as quickly as possible."