Wagner, Cuellar, Fleischmann Introduce Legislation To Protect Victims of Trafficking, Child Exploitation, Identity Theft, Financial Crimes

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX), and Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) released the following statement after they introduced the Homeland Security Investigations Victim Assistance Act to codify and expand the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Victim Assistance Program (VAP) to ensure victims of federal crimes have access to the assistance and support they need:

"Survivors of traumatizing crimes like human trafficking and child exploitationare too often left without vital support in a time of great need. This bill codifies the Victim Assistance Program to protect the rights of victims," said Congresswoman Ann Wagner. "The Homeland Security Investigations Victim Assistance Act would also ensure victim assistance specialists are better trained and more accessible to Missourians so victims have an advocate as they work to recover and find justice."

"While we work to dismantle all forms of human trafficking and exploitation, it also must a be a top priority to protect and support the thousands of men, women and children who fall victim each year," said Congressman Cuellar. "This bipartisan legislation will expand community and victim services to survivors so they can feel stable, safe and secure. As the Vice Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, I am committed to delivering the necessary support that will help identify these victims and get them on the road to recovery."

"I am proud to join the Representatives Ann Wagner and Henry Cuellar in introducing this bipartisan legislation to provide critical assistance to victims of human trafficking and exploitation," saidCongressman Fleischmann. "This legislation will ensure survivors of these heinous crimes have access to specialized support services throughout the investigation and prosecution process to assist them and make sure their rights are protected. As the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, I will continue to fund programs that combat human trafficking and exploitation and empower DHS to meet the needs of victims and survivors of these appalling crimes."

About the bill: The Homeland Security Investigations Victim Assistance Act codifies the Victim Assistance Program (VAP) within Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This legislation requires the VAP to provide at least one Forensic Interview Specialist and one Victim Assistance Specialist to each HSI Special Agent in Charge office, a Victim Assistance Specialist to every HSI office participating in a human trafficking task force or child sexual exploitation task force, and a Victim Assistance Specialist to every HSI regional attaché office. Moreover, the VAP shall provide oversight, guidance, and training on topics such as victims' rights, victim-related policies, and the victim-centered approach to victim assistance personnel nationwide.