Bill Overview
Title: Countering Human Trafficking Act of 2022
Description: This bill provides statutory authority for the Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The CCHT coordinates DHS efforts to combat human trafficking and the importation of goods produced with forced labor. The bill requires the CCHT to develop a strategy to improve the systems and processes used throughout DHS to combat human trafficking and the importation of goods produced with forced labor. The bill transfers the functions and resources of the Blue Campaign (i.e., the national public awareness effort to combat human trafficking) to the CCHT. DHS may also transfer to the CCHT any other component, directorate, or office of the department related to combating human trafficking.
Sponsors: Rep. Katko, John [R-NY-24]
Target Audience
Population: Victims of human trafficking and forced labor
Estimated Size: 10000
- The Countering Human Trafficking Act of 2022 aims to combat human trafficking and the importation of goods made with forced labor, impacting both victims of human trafficking and forced labor workers globally.
- Globally, the International Labour Organization estimated in 2016 that 24.9 million people were in forced labor, in various sectors like domestic work, construction, manufacturing, and agriculture, which are targets for such legislation.
- Victims of human trafficking are spread across all regions of the world, with Asia and the Pacific regions having the highest number of forced labor victims.
- Efforts to combat human trafficking and forced labor often involve international cooperation and thus can potentially impact millions globally if effectively implemented.
- The law primarily aims to strengthen US efforts (via the DHS) and could thus have an indirect impact internationally by setting precedents or through international collaboration led by US efforts.
Reasoning
- The Countering Human Trafficking Act of 2022 will have a direct impact on individuals directly involved or affected by human trafficking, such as victims and their families.
- The policy will also have an indirect impact on society by potentially reducing the prevalence of human trafficking and raising awareness, contributing to better community safety and wellbeing.
- The funding of $20 million USD in year 1 will limit immediate widespread impact but will provide critical resources for the establishment and development of the CCHT.
- Over ten years, with a budget of $380 million USD, the policy aims to create long-term systemic changes and improvements in combating human trafficking.
- Not all individuals will be directly affected; hence, the commonality of highly impacted individuals will be low compared to the general population.
Simulated Interviews
Social Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could provide much-needed resources to help victims.
- I'm hopeful this will improve our response time when a case is reported.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Law Enforcement Officer (Houston, TX)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The centralized efforts could streamline our operations and make them more efficient.
- This is a step in the right direction to tackle forced labor.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Human Rights Advocate (Chicago, IL)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increasing awareness through the CCHT is essential.
- The policy should also target supply chains that exploit forced labor.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Business Owner (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ensuring goods are not made by forced labor is our responsibility.
- The policy is good for setting legal standards.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
College Student (Miami, FL)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Strengthening the Blue Campaign through CCHT is promising.
- I want to see more action in educational forums.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
NGO Director (New York, NY)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The CCHT could lead to significant policy advancement.
- Funding levels are a concern, more is always needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Tech Worker (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A consistent strategy across departments can help clean up supply chains.
- I'm supportive but concerned about privacy issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Victim Advocate (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Centralizing resources in CCHT could improve victim assistance.
- The transfer from Blue Campaign could speed up processes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Federal Officer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This will likely make our job more effective.
- Coordination among agencies can be enhanced.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
School Counselor (Denver, CO)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy should support educational efforts deeply.
- Awareness at a young age is critical in prevention.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 3: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 5: $40000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $45000000)
Year 10: $50000000 (Low: $45000000, High: $55000000)
Year 100: $10000000 (Low: $9000000, High: $11000000)
Key Considerations
- Long-term effectiveness of CCHT strategies will depend on sufficient initial and continuing funding.
- International cooperation is crucial, as human trafficking is a global issue.
- Balancing new responsibilities with existing DHS functions will require strategic coordination.