ATEST CJS Appropriations Letter for FY 2018
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March 21, 2017
The Honorable John Culberson, Chairman
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies
The Honorable Jose E. Serrano, Ranking Member
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies
The Honorable Richard C. Shelby, Chairman
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies
The Honorable Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies
Dear Chairs Culberson and Shelby and Ranking Members Serrano and Shaheen:
On behalf of the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking (ATEST) and the undersigned organizations, we are writing to seek your assistance to fund a series of authorized programs in the FY 2018 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill that are absolutely critical to fighting the growing problem of human trafficking and forced labor.
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (P.L.113-4) validated the Justice Department’s role in investigating and prosecuting trafficking crimes, as well as serving its victims. The TVPA forms the core of the Department of Justice’s efforts to prevent and prosecute human trafficking and protect the victims of trafficking and forced labor. Unfortunately, the problem of human trafficking is growing. These victims often experience severe trauma that requires intensive therapy and rehabilitation. In addition, human trafficking criminal cases are often complicated and involve lengthy legal proceedings requiring additional resources for prosecutors as well as victims. Many of these victims require comprehensive case management provided by victim service organizations to see them through their recovery and help them navigate the legal system.
With your help and leadership, we want to maintain and increase the resources available to the Department of Justice, victims, and the victim service organizations on the frontlines fighting to help the victims of these crimes. Therefore, we request the following:
Office of Justice Programs / State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance
- Victim Services Grants
We request that funding for existing victim services grant programs at the Department of Justice remain within the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). OVC has done an efficient and effective job in administering existing victim services grants and OVC should retain this role without disruption.
We request a total of $67,000,000 for victim services programs as authorized by section 107(b)(2) of Public Law 106–386, Public Law 109–164 and Public Law 113–4. Of this amount, we request that no less than $22,000,000 be appropriated to support the Enhanced Collaborative Model to Combat Human Trafficking Task Force Program, consistent with the FY2016 funding level, and ask that this be accompanied by statutory language authorizing the total funding level within OVC’s victim services grants. Due to the recent enactment of funding levels that exceed the authorized funding levels, we recognize the Committee may want to consider amending the TVPRA to reflect the enacted levels.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported a 660% increase in substantive calls since 2008, identifying 7,572 trafficking cases in the United States in 2016 alone. Robust resources are needed to ensure that as more survivors of trafficking come forward they receive appropriate responses and services.
Proposed Bill Language:
$67,000,000 for victim services programs for victims of trafficking, as authorized by section 107(b)(2) of Public Law 106-386, as amended by Public Law 113-4. Of the amount provided under this section, no less than $22,000,000 shall be provided for the Enhanced Collaborative Model to Combat Human Trafficking Task Force Program.
Proposed Report Language:
The bill provides $67,000,000 for the Victims of Trafficking Grant program as authorized by Public Law 106-386 and amended by Public Law 113-4 of which no less than $22,000,000 is for the Enhanced Collaborative Model to Combat Human Trafficking Task Force Program.
- Minor Victim Services Grants
We request $10,000,000 for Minor Victim Services Grants, of which $8,000,000 is for sex trafficked minors and $2,000,000 is for labor trafficked minors. We further request that the budget contain additional statutory language to make this funding available for two years, instead of just one year.
The TVPRA of 2013 (P.L. 113-4) created a grant program to “develop, expand and strengthen assistance programs for certain persons subject to trafficking.” Under this grant program, the Attorney General is authorized under Sec. 202 of P.L. 109-164 (TVPRA of 2005), as amended by the TVPRA of 2013, to provide $8,000,000 in grant funding to serve sex trafficked minors. Since the authorized funds are specific to sex trafficked minors, we are requesting an additional $2,000,000 in grant funds to support appropriate services, training, and outreach for labor trafficked youth. We believe developing these programs simultaneously is imperative given that the federal definition of human trafficking includes both sex and labor trafficking.
Specialized, comprehensive, trauma-informed, gender-specific assistance to minor victims of human trafficking is essential to combating this crime. Minor victims of trafficking face major hurdles in recovering from the abuse and trauma of their trafficking situation. Law enforcement around the country has identified the lack of specialized housing programs as the greatest obstacle in bringing effective prosecutions against child traffickers.
According to the most recent data from the Department of Justice, 700 children were arrested for prostitution in 2014. Anecdotal data from selected cities further illustrates the need for these funds. In Los Angeles County, for example, the Succeed Through Achievement and Resilience (STAR) Court Program estimates that 210 girls are arrested annually for prostitution. (This does not include the number of children who disclose while they are in juvenile hall). In the first six months of 2016 alone, 141 juveniles have disclosed that they were in fact victims of trafficking, even though they were not arrested for prostitution.
While we support the need for additional funding for trafficked minors, especially sex trafficked minors, we believe DOJ must carefully administer this new grant fund in close collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and that the key areas within the grant fund include: residential care, 24-hour response services, clothing and basic necessities, case management services, mental health counseling, comprehensive, trauma-informed, and gender specific services, legal services, and specialized training for social service providers, public and private sector personnel, and outreach and education. HHS, in its runaway and homeless youth programs and other services grant areas, already has technical expertise in all of the above-listed areas.
Proposed Bill Language:
$10,000,000 for victim services programs for minor victims of sex and labor trafficking, provided that no less than $8,000,000 shall be for victim services grants for sex trafficked minors as authorized by section 202(i) of Public Law 113-4.
Proposed Report Language:
The bill provides $10,000,000 for Minor Victims of Trafficking Grant program, of which $8,000,000 is for victim services grants for sex trafficked minors as authorized by Public Law 113-4, and the remaining $2,000,000 is for victim services grants for labor trafficked minors. The Committee encourages DOJ to work in close coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services to encourage collaboration and reduce duplication of effort.
Legal Activities / Civil Rights Division
- Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit (HTPU)
We request $6,500,000 for the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, resources it needs to maintain its growing caseload. Despite a 62 percent increase in cases filed in the last five years (FY 2011-2015) compared to the previous five-year period, funding for the HTPU has been flat at $5.3 million since FY 2010. These cases are resource intensive because they are procedurally complex, and involve multiple jurisdictions and defendants. With increased funding, HTPU will be able to more effectively investigate and prosecute all forms of trafficking and modern slavery.
Proposed Report Language:
The Committee provides $6,500,000 for the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit (HTPU) and encourages HTPU and the Anti-Trafficking Coordination Teams to continue working with victim service providers and non-governmental organizations to ensure victim needs are prioritized as part of the overall strategy to combat human trafficking and forced labor in the United States. Furthermore, the Committee directs the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit (HTPU) to report to the Committees on Appropriations no later than 120 days following enactment of this Act on (1) the total number of human trafficking cases it prosecuted or assisted in prosecuting within the last three years disaggregated by type of trafficking, (2) the number of Assistant U.S. Attorneys who received training on human trafficking within the last three years, and (3) the number of Assistant U.S. Attorneys who received training on restitution for human trafficking victims within the last three years.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
The FBI remains the premier federal law enforcement agency fighting human trafficking and slavery. The presence of the FBI in any trafficking investigation significantly increases the chances of a successful investigation. Furthermore, with trafficking investigations often crossing state lines, the presence of the FBI becomes even more critical.
Proposed Report Language:
The Committee recognizes the complex nature of human trafficking investigations and encourages the Director to allocate additional resources for human trafficking cases and designate a lead agent in each field office as a point of contact for slavery and human trafficking investigations.
Legal Activities / United States Attorneys
- U.S. Attorney’s Office
We request that the Subcommittee include report language that continues to require a point of contact (POC) in each U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) to serve as the coordinator of all human trafficking and forced labor matters within each USAO and to serve as a liaison with victim service organizations within each respective jurisdiction to improve coordination and communication.
Proposed Report Language:
The Committee directs the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys, in consultation with the United States Attorneys, to designate a point of contact in each U.S. Attorney’s office who shall serve as the coordinator for all activities within that office concerning human trafficking and forced labor matters covered by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). Designating a point of contact will improve communication and coordination within each jurisdiction, including victim service organizations, in order to better serve the victims of human trafficking and forced labor.
- Process for Survivors to Obtain Expedited Letter of Support
We request that the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, to develop a process to enable survivors with T-visas to obtain an expedited letter of support from the Department of Justice when their criminal case is closed.
Proposed Report Language:
The Committee directs the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, to develop a process to enable survivors with T-visas to obtain an expedited letter of support from the Department of Justice when their criminal case is closed.
We understand the extremely difficult funding situation you are facing in FY 2018. We have carefully vetted our requests to reflect true priorities that are targeted and focused on the most important and most effective programs. We thank you for your consideration of these requests and your continued leadership in fighting the scourge of human trafficking and forced labor. If you have any questions, please contact Melysa Sperber, ATEST Director, at [email protected] or (631) 374-0749.
Sincerely,
Adrian Dominican Sisters Portfolio Advisory Board
AIDS Alabama
Ann Weinman, Retired Judge
Benedictine Sisters of Chicago
Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition
Boys & Girls Clubs of Harrison-Crawford Counties
California NOW
Catholic Health Initiatives
Center for the Human Rights of Children, Loyola University Chicago
CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers
Central Valley Justice Coalition
Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc. (CDM)
Changing Destinies Ministry
Chicago Benedictines for Peace
Children’s Advocacy Institute
Church Women United in New York State
Civil Society
Coalition Against Trafficking & Exploitation
Coalition for Juvenile Justice
Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW)
Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking
Community Youth Services
Congregation of Holy Faith
CREA: Center for Reflection, Education and Action
Daughters of Charity
Daughters of Charity – Province of St. Louise
Dignity Health
Dominican Sisters of Hope
Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force
Durham County Task Force Against Child Sexual Exploitation
ECPAT-USA
Edmund Rice International
ENC Stop Human Trafficking Now
Episcopal Diocese of New York Task Force Against Human Trafficking
Equinox Domestic Violence Services
Franciscan Action Network
Freedom From Exploitation, Inc.
Freedom Network USA
Free the Slaves
Freedom United
Futures Without Violence
GenerateHope
Genocide Watch
Girl Up
Global Rights for Women
GoodWeave International
HEAL Trafficking
Healthy Teen Network
Holy Family Convent
Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters – USA- Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation
Hope for San Diego
Horizons Cambodia
Human Trafficking Search
Humans for Justice
IF Hummingbird Foundation Inc.
IL Women Religious Against Human Trafficking
Illinois Women Religious Against Human Trafficking
Illinois Collaboration on Youth
Illinois Women Religious Against Human Trafficking
Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Program
Indiana Youth Services Association
International Council of Jewish Women
International Institute of Buffalo
International Justice Mission (IJM)
International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF)
International Organization for Adolescents (IOFA)
Janus Youth Programs
Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA)
Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Jewish Women’s Theater
Justice for Families
Justice in Motion
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee of St. Louis and Associates
Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking
Law Offices of Laura J. Snoke
Leadership Conference of Women Religious
Life 107 Ministries
LifeWay Network
Loma Linda University Church
Love146
Loving Arms, Inc.
Loyola University Modern Slavery Research Project
Mark P. Lagon, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University; former Ambassador-At-Large to Combat Trafficking in Persons
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
Maternal and Child Health Access
Mercy Investment Services
Mosaic Family Services
My Life My Choice
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd
National Black Justice Coalition
National Center for Victims of Crime
National Council of Jewish Women
National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA)
National Network for Youth (NN4Y)
National Runaway Safeline
National Safe Place Network
Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies
New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
Northwest Coalition for Responsible Investment
On Eagles Wings Ministries
Pacific Survivor Center
Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women’s Association.
PeterCares House
Polaris
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Presbyterian Church (USA) Washington Office of Public Witness
Project IRENE
Project Oz
Rabbinical Assembly
Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary NGO – Stop Trafficking
Religious of the Sacred Heart, Redwood City, CA
Religious Sisters of Charity
Ruth Ellis Center
S.A.F.E.
Safe Horizon
Salvatorian Advocacy for Victims of Exploitation Inc.
School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province Human Trafficking Committee
School Sisters of St. Francis
SchoolHouse Connection
SeraphimGLOBAL
Shared Hope International
Sisters of St. Francis
Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sisters of the Presentation, San Francisco, CA
Slavery Today Journal
Society of the Holy Child Jesus, American Province
Solidarity Center
St. Mary of the Lake Human Trafficking Working Group
StandUp For Kids National
Temple Isaiah Abolition of Human Trafficking Initiative
Thai Community Development Center
The Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart
The Healing Center
The Human Trafficking Prevention Project at the University of Baltimore School of Law
The Lifeboat Project, Inc.
The National Crittenton Foundation
The United Methodist Church, Church and Society
There Is Hope For Me, Inc.
Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children
Tri-State Coalition for Responsible Investment
Truckers Against Trafficking
U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking
U.S. Fund for UNICEF
U.S. National Committee for UN Women
Union for Reform Judaism
Union of Presentation Sisters, USA Province
United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries
United Way Worldwide
Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk, U.S. Province
Verité
Vida Legal Assistance Inc.
Vital Voices Global Partnership
Washington University School of Medicine
WestCoast Children’s Clinic
Wisconsin Association for Runaway Services
Womankind
Women of Reform Judaism
Worker Justice Center of New York, Inc.
Worksafe
Xaverian Brothers
YouthCare
YWCA NorthEastern NY
Zoë Ministries, Inc.
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ATEST is a U.S.-based coalition that advocates for solutions to prevent and end all forms of human trafficking and modern slavery around the world. ATEST member organizations include: Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST), Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), ECPATUSA, Free the Slaves, Futures Without Violence (FUTURES), International Justice Mission, National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), National Network for Youth (NN4Y), Polaris, Safe Horizon, Solidarity Center, Verité, and Vital Voices Global Partnership. ATEST is a project of Humanity United Action.