Blumenthal Statement on DOJ Grants to Combat Human Trafficking, Increase Support for Trafficking Survivors

(Hartford, CT) – In response to today’s announcement by Department of Justice (DOJ) Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch that more than $44 million in grant funding to combat human trafficking and support survivors will be awarded nationwide, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Co-Chair of the Senate Caucus to End Human Trafficking and member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement:

“Human trafficking remains a problem not only abroad, but also here at home. Increased domestic funding to combat human trafficking and support survivors across the country is a welcomed next step to eradicating this repugnant and reprehensible scourge that occurs within our borders. The newly announced grants will support the great work across the nation to combat human trafficking, strengthen services for survivors, as well as expand research being conducted. Of note, more than $22.7 million will support 16 anti-human trafficking task forces across our country.”

This summer, Blumenthal led two critical pieces of legislation that would strengthen efforts to stop human trafficking. Blumenthal introduced the Business Supply Chain Transparency on Trafficking and Slavery Act of 2015 to reduce the presence of modern-day slavery in business supply chains, which is supported by more than 100 investment firms. In July, Blumenthal re-introduced The Human Trafficking Prioritization Act to increase the country’s ability to monitor and effectively combat sex and human trafficking across the globe.

Additional information on the grants can be found on the DOJ website here.

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