Training Department of Homeland Security Agents to Identify Human Trafficking Victims (H.R. 5116)

What is H.R. 5116?

(Updated January 31, 2017)

This bill would require Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents responsible for monitoring travelers across U.S. borders and through airports to receive training that would aid in identifying potential victims of human trafficking and report these cases to local law enforcement officials. The bill would also require the DHS to annually report to Congress the number of potential human trafficking cases reported by its federal agents. DHS does not currently record human trafficking numbers. 

Argument in favor

Will help combat human trafficking at our nation's borders. Would not increase federal spending.

Argument opposed

No details on what the training would involve and effectiveness of such training is therefore hard to judge.

Impact

The bill affects the Department of Homeland Security's impact on preventing human trafficking.

Cost of H.R. 5116

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable; the bill's sponsor, Rep. Mark Meadows, has indicated the bill would not increase federal spending.

Additional Info

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