Tampa Free Press

By Leslie Bolden

Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have introduced the Enduring Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, a bipartisan bill designed to permanently extend a key criminal penalty against human traffickers. The legislation aims to correct a technical error in existing law that would otherwise allow this penalty to expire.

The proposed bill would strike a “sunset” provision from the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, which was authored by Senator Cornyn.

The original law mandated a special assessment fine of $5,000 from individuals convicted of human trafficking and sexual exploitation offenses. This fine is deposited into the Domestic Trafficking Victims Fund, a Department of Justice (DOJ) fund dedicated to supporting survivors and aiding law enforcement in anti-trafficking efforts.

According to a press release, the Domestic Trafficking Victims Fund has accumulated over $100 million since its inception, with nearly $9 million raised in 2024 alone. These funds provide survivors with essential restorative services on their path to healing.

“It is only right and just for vile predators who are guilty of trafficking, abuse, and exploitation to be penalized and held accountable for the unimaginable pain they inflicted on innocent victims,” said Senator Cornyn.

Echoing this sentiment, Senator Klobuchar emphasized the enduring impact of their work: “This bill ensures critical programs that help support survivors and improve the tools available to federal, state, and local law enforcement will remain available in the future.”

The bipartisan effort aims to enshrine this criminal penalty, ensuring a consistent and permanent source of funding for the victims and the fight against human trafficking.