The Combatting Trafficking in Transportation Act would support public awareness campaign on the risk and signs of trafficking along the Interstate Highway System

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act, which would provide federal funding to states post human trafficking awareness signage at rest stops and welcome centers along the Interstate System, helping educate the public and better support survivors of human trafficking.

“We must do everything in our power to stop human trafficking, and public awareness campaigns are a proven, effective tool to combat this issue,” said Klobuchar. “That is why we are introducing bipartisan legislation to provide more information about signs of trafficking and how to help victims. This bill will give law enforcement crucial information to take on criminals and get more victims to safety.”

“As human traffickers move their victims across the country, they travel on the same highways and visit the same rest stops and gas stations as everyone else, which creates multiple opportunities to identify these victims,” said Blackburn. “This bipartisan legislation would give all states the flexibility to take advantage of signage campaigns that have been proven effective to rescue more men, women, and children from this heinous crime.”

In 2023 alone, there were nearly 17,000 trafficking victims in the United States. By making information about human trafficking available at these locations, we can increase reporting of suspicious behavior and direct victims to resources like the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

The Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act would: 

  • Amend the list of eligible projects under the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program and the RAISE Discretionary Grant Program to include the procurement and installation of human trafficking awareness signage at rest stops and welcome centers along the Interstate System; and 

  • Add a 16th seat to the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking specifically for a representative from state departments of transportation. 

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