Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Representative John Curtis (R-UT) released the following statements after the Public-Private Partnership Advisory Council to End Human Trafficking Act passed in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The historic legislation will create a Public-Private Advisory Council to provide a direct line to federal government agencies that will streamline unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and empower nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations in the fight against human trafficking.
“The greatest way to really have an impact in ending trafficking around the world is to empower those who have already been engaged in the fight,” said Hatch. “We’ve seen up close in Utah how experts have seen real results, and this bill would ensure that the resources of the federal government are put to the best possible use to help vulnerable children around the world.”
“Organizations like Utah’s Operation Underground Railroad (OUR) have made a tremendous impact in fighting human trafficking across the world,” said Curtis. “We can help them do more, said Curtis. With better coordination and partnership with federal government agencies, imagine what they can accomplish. This legislation is a historic step in our journey to end human trafficking and I thank Senator Hatch for leading the charge.”
Statement of Support
Tim Ballard, Founder and CEO of Operation Underground Railroad
“Human trafficking is the scourge of our era. I’m thrilled Senator Hatch and Congressman Curtis had the clout to advance this important bill, which will help us make a bigger difference in saving kids from trafficking all over the world.”
Background
The Public-Private Partnership Advisory Council:
- Is composed of eight to fourteen representatives from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and nonprofit groups that have significant knowledge and experience in anti-human trafficking or rehabilitation and aftercare of human trafficking victims and survivors.
- Serves as a point of contact for Federal agencies reaching out to anti-human trafficking nonprofits and NGOs for input on programming and policies related to anti-human trafficking efforts.
- Has members of the Advisory Council appointed by the President for a term of two years and can be reappointed to serve an additional two-year term.
- They are not considered employees of the Federal government and shall not receive compensation.
- Meets at its own discretion, but not at least once a year.
- Formulates assessments and recommendations to ensure that the policy and programming efforts of the Federal Government conform to the best practices in the field of anti-human trafficking and rehabilitation and aftercare of victims.
- Submits a report to Congressional Committees with any recommendations and action items, not later than one year after the date of enactment.
- Sunsets September 30, 2020
