Bill Summary
The "Stopping the Abuse, Victimization, and Exploitation of Girls Act" (SAVE Girls Act) aims to establish a federal grant program dedicated to combating the smuggling and trafficking of children and young women in the United States. This legislation amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, specifically by creating a new grant program administered by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of State.
The program's primary objectives are twofold:
1. To prevent the smuggling of children and young women aged 12 to 24 across U.S. borders.
2. To provide support and services for those who have already been smuggled into the country or are at risk of becoming victims of sex trafficking or severe forms of trafficking.
To facilitate these initiatives, the act authorizes the appropriation of $50 million to fund the grants, which can be awarded to states, local governments, Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations focused on victim services. Importantly, the act clarifies that it does not create a private cause of action against the U.S. or its officials.
Possible Impacts
The "SAVE Girls Act" aims to combat the smuggling and trafficking of children and young women in the United States. Here are three examples of how this legislation could affect people:
1. **Increased Funding for Support Services**: The Act authorizes $50 million in grants to states, local governments, and non-profit organizations. This funding can enhance existing support services for victims of trafficking, such as shelters, counseling, and legal assistance. As a result, individuals who have been smuggled or trafficked may receive better resources to help them recover and reintegrate into society.
2. **Preventive Measures and Awareness Campaigns**: By focusing on preventing the smuggling of children and young women, the Act could lead to the development of educational programs and awareness campaigns aimed at communities. These initiatives could inform parents and young people about the dangers of trafficking, thereby reducing the risk of exploitation. Communities may become more vigilant and proactive in protecting vulnerable individuals.
3. **Strengthened Collaboration Among Agencies**: The Act facilitates collaboration between the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of State, which can lead to a more coordinated response to trafficking cases. Improved communication and resource sharing among federal, state, and local agencies may enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts to combat trafficking and provide comprehensive support to victims. This could result in more effective interventions and a higher rate of successful prosecutions against traffickers.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 48 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 48
To establish a Federal grant program to combat the smuggling and
trafficking of children and young women.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 9, 2025
Mrs. Blackburn (for herself, Ms. Klobuchar, and Mrs. Hyde-Smith)
introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish a Federal grant program to combat the smuggling and
trafficking of children and young women.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLES.
This Act may be cited as the ``Stopping the Abuse, Victimization,
and Exploitation of Girls Act'' or the ``SAVE Girls Act''.
SEC. 2. COMBATING THE SMUGGLING AND TRAFFICKING OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG
WOMEN.
Section 107 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22
U.S.C. 7105) is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the
following:
``(5) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection may
be construed as creating any private cause of action against
the United States or officers or employees of the United
States.
``(d) Grant Program To Combat the Smuggling and Trafficking of
Children and Young Women.--
``(1) Grants authorized.--In addition to other grants
authorized under this section, the Attorney General and the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with
the Secretary of State, may award grants to States, Indian
tribes, units of local government, and nonprofit,
nongovernmental victims' service organizations to combat the
smuggling and trafficking of children and young women.
``(2) Primary focus.--The primary focus of the grant
program authorized under paragraph (1) shall be--
``(A) to prevent the smuggling of children and
young women between 12 and 24 years of age across the
borders of the United States; and
``(B) to provide support for children and young
women between 12 and 24 years of age who have already
been smuggled into the United States or who have been
or are at risk of becoming victims of child sex
trafficking or a severe form of trafficking in persons.
``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Attorney General $50,000,000, which
shall be used for grants authorized under paragraph (1) and
shall remain available until expended.''.
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