Bill Overview
Title: Counter Human Trafficking Research and Development Act
Description: This bill establishes a counter human trafficking initiative. Specifically, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) must establish a National Counter Human Trafficking Research and Development Initiative to improve counter human trafficking efforts. The OSTP must establish or designate an interagency committee, which shall be co-chaired by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and include representatives from any other appropriate federal agency. The committee shall oversee the planning, management, and coordination of the initiative and establish and periodically update the initiative's goals and priorities. In addition, the committee must develop and periodically update a strategic plan. Not later than 180 days after the enactment of this bill, the NSF must establish an advisory committee on counter human trafficking research and development. The advisory committee shall assess the coordination, implementation, and activities of the initiative; the balance of activities and funding across the initiative; and the need to revise the program. Not later than 90 days after the enactment of this bill, the Government Accountability Office shall conduct a study that includes an assessment of human trafficking data collection needs and practices of federal agencies, local nongovernmental organizations, law enforcement, and prosecutors to improve federal research and development to prevent, identify, and disrupt human trafficking.
Sponsors: Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]
Target Audience
Population: People vulnerable to or affected by human trafficking worldwide
Estimated Size: 1000000
- Human trafficking is a global issue affecting millions worldwide, including vulnerable populations like migrants, women, and children.
- Efforts to counter human trafficking benefit not only potential and present victims but also society by reducing crime and exploitation.
- Improved strategies and research reduce the human trafficking market, impacting traffickers negatively by limiting their operations and increasing risks.
Reasoning
- Human trafficking is a significant issue affecting various populations in the US, including vulnerable groups like migrants, women, and children.
- Efforts to counter human trafficking can help reduce criminal activity and exploitation, improving the safety and wellbeing of affected populations and society at large.
- The budget limit means focusing on efficient allocation to ensure maximum impact, especially among high-risk populations.
- Some individuals in the US may not be directly affected by this policy, but indirectly benefit from broader societal improvements in safety and security.
- The wellbeing impacts may vary based on the degree of direct exposure to or risk of trafficking, as well as personal values and perceptions of social justice.
- There is a need for increased data collection and analysis to tailor more effective interventions and track the policy's impact over time.
Simulated Interviews
Social Worker (San Diego, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative is crucial, as it can enhance current efforts in protecting vulnerable populations.
- Increased funding and coordinated efforts are exactly what we need.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
NGO Director (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step in the right direction.
- The focus on research and data collection could greatly improve interventions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Human Rights Researcher (Houston, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Data is the lifeline for creating effective strategies against trafficking.
- This policy could facilitate a granularity in data that has been missing.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Law Enforcement Officer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The additional research could improve our operations.
- Right now, a lot of our methods are reactive; we need to get ahead of the problem.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
College Student (Miami, FL)
Age: 20 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a good initiative, but implementation is key.
- I hope this can change the situation in my community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Business Owner (Dallas, TX)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While not directly affected, I believe reducing trafficking aligns with creating a stable economy and society.
- There needs to be a balance between business interests and human rights.
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 |
Public Health Official (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Collaboration between federal agencies is critical for addressing this issue.
- This policy might spur more comprehensive support systems for victims.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The integration of scientific inquiry into government policy here is a promising move.
- However, the initiative requires long-term commitment and adaptation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Survivor Advocate (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative gives me hope for more resources and support.
- A more strategic approach could really make a difference.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Immigration Lawyer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 42 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that can improve data sharing between agencies and NGOs is beneficial.
- I hope the initiative will include legal reforms that assist victims more effectively.
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 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 10: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 100: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Key Considerations
- The initiative's success largely depends on effective interagency collaboration and the integration of data across agencies.
- The initial costs might be offset by long-term savings in social and law enforcement expenditures.
- The impact on the larger economy is indirect, making it difficult to estimate precise long-term financial benefits or costs.