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A Monumental Week in the Fight Against Human Trafficking

April 16, 2018
   
 

 
 

A Monumental Week in the Fight Against Human Trafficking 

This week, the House - together with the White House - took critical steps in the fight against human trafficking.  On Tuesday I helped pass H.R. 2219, which increases law enforcement's focus on money laundering activities that have facilitated sex trafficking in the U.S.

I also supported H.R. 4203, the Combat Online Predators Act.  Each year, predators target 7.5 million people through the Internet, a disproportionate number of whom are minors.  This bill increases the maximum federal penalty for stalking individuals under the age of 18.

Additionally, President Trump signed into law the most significant anti-human trafficking legislation in years.  The Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act will give prosecutors legal clarity and greater authority to pursue and prosecute online sites that facilitate sex trafficking.

The Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act is supported by law enforcement groups across the country, and is already being hailed by attorneys general nationwide for its work to prevent human trafficking.

Specifically, Manhattan's District Attorney said that early data suggests a 19% reduction in online trafficking advertising volume from the previous week, stating that overall "Current ad volume is a tenth of its previous size, the lowest yet recorded.”   

 

GA National Guard Meeting at Dobbins

I met with Major General Joseph Jarrard of the Georgia National Guard on Monday at Dobbins Air Reserve Base.  Maj. Gen. Jarrard is the 42nd Adjutant General of the Georgia Department of Defense.
 
The National Guard is a critical component of our nation's emergency response preparedness, capable of acting on natural disasters and other domestic emergencies swiftly and effectively.  Maj. Gen. Jarrard and I discussed the National Guard's ongoing work with GEMA and GDOT to save lives and rebuild communities. 
 
And later this year, Georgia Army National Guard's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team will deploy to Afghanistan.  We thank them for their sacrifices for our nation, and pray that God will bless and protect all of our troops in harm's way across the globe. 
 

Talking Women in the Workplace with DAR

It was an honor to speak to the Martha Stewart Bulloch Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution on Monday in Roswell.

About 100 women were in attendance to discuss a host of issues, including the challenges facing women in the workplace.

Daughters of the American Revolution chapters are active in service and volunteer programs across the country, with a particular focus on helping military members, America's veterans, and children in our education system.

Register for Military Academy Day NOW

If you or anyone you know is interested in applying to or attending one of our nation's most prestigious institutions, please consider registering for Military Academy Day on Saturday, April 28.

 

Increasing Transparency at the IRS

This week, I introduced a bill designed to increase transparency at the IRS and strengthen assistance programs for American taxpayers.  H.R. 5440 reforms management of IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers, ensuring that taxpayers are protected when facilities are closed or restructured. 

Specifically, my bill will require the IRS to provide public notice before the closure of a Taxpayer Assistance Center, and makes sure the IRS continues to provide proper tax preparation and filing advice to taxpayers impacted by these changes.

There are 305 Taxpayer Assistance Centers across the country, with two right here in the Sixth District.  When the IRS makes the decision to close a facility, taxpayers must be able to continue receiving the customer service they expect.

H.R. 5440 passed through the Ways & Means Committee on Wednesday and will head to the House floor for a vote in the coming days.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this note.  To stay current on what's going on in Congress, please follow me at Facebook.com/RepKarenHandel.  And if you find this update helpful, please take a second to forward it along to a few of your friends and neighbors.

As always, feel free to call 202-225-4501 or 770-998-0049 if you need assistance from me or anyone in my office.

Sincerely,
 
Karen C. Handel
Member of Congress