April 22, 2015

Manchin Votes in Support of Bipartisan Human-Trafficking Legislation

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Manchin voted in favor of the bipartisan Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, which passed the Senate by a 99-0 vote.

“The number of trafficking victims in West Virginia and across the United States who are being exploited and forced into modern-day slavery continues to grow day after day,” Senator Manchin said. “It is past time to take action to stop this travesty that is plaguing our society, and that’s why I am incredibly pleased that my Democratic and Republican colleagues came to a compromise on this legislation. I am proud to support this important bill because it will not only increase penalties for perpetrators, but it will also provide critical healthcare needs for survivors and resources to help our law enforcement officers combat these crimes.”

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 will establish a fund to provide healthcare services to human-trafficking victims and survivors. It will also institute a separate Domestic Trafficking Victims’ Fund by imposing a $5,000 penalty, in addition to other legal penalties, on individuals convicted of human trafficking or sex crimes. The Domestic Trafficking Victims’ Fund will be used to fund law-enforcement assistance grants and other services for helping to prevent and detect such crimes.

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