Chris Smith: “As prime author of the landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), it is an honor to present the new…”

“As prime author of the landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), it is an honor to present the new Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan bill--and I thank Karen Bass for her cosponsorship and strong support--is a comprehensive, reauthorization and expansion of key elements of the TVPA and related policies. In the fight to end modern day slavery, my new bill honors the extraordinary legacy of one of the greatest Americans who ever lived. Born a slave in 1818--we celebrated the 200th anniversary of his birth this year--Frederick Douglass escaped slavery when he was 20 and dedicated his entire life to abolishing slavery and after emancipation, to ending Jim Crow laws, all the while struggling for full equality. A gifted orator, author, editor, statesman (and Republican), he died in 1895. The Frederick Douglass bill before us today authorizes over $430 million over 4 years to prevent human trafficking, protect victims, and beef up prosecution of those involved in this nefarious trade both at home and abroad.…”