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John,
You have likely seen in the news that U.S. foreign assistance funding has been paused for review. This means that some critical anti-trafficking grants are on hold or have been terminated – impacting progress in the work to protect vulnerable children, women and men around the world from human trafficking.
Why This Matters: Not only do these funds support prosecutions of violent criminals and essential services for survivors who have bravely stepped forward to testify, but these programs also help protect America’s national security and economic interests. How? Combating human trafficking disrupts an illicit industry worth an estimated $236 billion, boosts economies and improves productivity by allowing individuals and communities to flourish.
Next Steps: While we are hopeful that the U.S. government will continue to see combating human trafficking as a national priority and ultimately restore these funds, we need to urge Congress to ensure that future anti-trafficking programs are fully funded – in both the short-term and long-term. Current congressionally approved funding is set to expire on March 14, and over the coming weeks and months, Congress must pass bills to fund the government through Sept. 30 and beyond.
Here’s what we are asking for in the FY25 and FY26 appropriations bills: |
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Sustained – or even increased – funding for the State Department’s anti-trafficking programs. | |
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Continued support for the staff of the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, which produces the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, as required by law. | | |
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Your voice is more important now than ever. As elected officials, members of Congress represent the concerns of their constituents – and that includes you. Will you take one minute to send a prewritten email to your legislators asking them to prioritize this critical funding? |
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I know ending human trafficking is a priority for you, and together, we can encourage Congress to ensure it remains so for the U.S. government.
Until all are free,
Nate King
Director, U.S. Policy and Advocacy
P.S. - If you are interested in being more involved in the anti-trafficking movement, join our IJM Champion program. Already a member? Ask a friend to join us! |
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