Sen. Ossoff, Blackburn introduce bill protecting human trafficking victims

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga, and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., introduced the bipartisan ‘ing Victims of Human Trafficking Act this week.

Following several stories we’ve covered of alleged human trafficking cases right here in Savannah, leaders say is coming for these survivors at the national level. WTOC sat down with Senator Ossoff Friday to get some insight on the bill.

“We have a human trafficking crisis in the state of Georgia,” said Ossoff.

This bill, introduced Tuesday, would strengthen the ‘U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime’ to provide more flexibility in funding programs serving victims of human trafficking.

The bill would also help increase training and technical assistance for grantees--Essentially making it easier for organizations to access federal funds.

“They don’t always have the resources to access these complicated federal programs, but there are federal dollars, and federal training resources available. This bill is about making those federal resources accessible,” Ossoff explained.

According to Senator Ossoff, human trafficking is a 150 billion dollar global industry and Georgia is no stranger to this crime.

“Whether the port or the airport, driving some of that, the level of travel internationally through our state. These are some of the most heinous crimes that can be committed against human beings. We have to investigate and prosecute those who perpetrate them. We also have to provide all necessary for the victims, and that can require years and years of given the trauma they’ve endured,” he explained.

Backed by several different organizations, Senator Ossoff says the work continues from here-- it does not stop at this bill.

“There is insufficient for survivors of human trafficking in the state of Georgia. I think we have a real shot at moving it through the process. I’m going to keep working hard and try to make it a law,” said Ossoff.

Calling it a transformative step in ensuring survivors receive access to the comprehensive care they deserve.

Senator Blackburn also says he hopes to eradicate human trafficking entirely. To catch up on our coverage of human trafficking investigations in our area, check below.