Bill Overview
Title: Countering Human Trafficking Act of 2021
Description: This act 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 act 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 act 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: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Target Audience
Population: People vulnerable to or affected by human trafficking
Estimated Size: 50000
- The bill directly targets human trafficking victims and individuals at risk of being trafficked.
- Human trafficking affects millions worldwide, so policies improving systems to combat trafficking can have widespread impacts.
- The legislation also involves forced labor, affecting workers globally and consumers who unknowingly support forced labor industries.
- Initiatives like the CCHT and the transfer of the Blue Campaign aim for better coordination and education, impacting how governments, nonprofits, and citizens perceive and combat human trafficking.
Reasoning
- The Countering Human Trafficking Act is designed to enhance efforts to identify, protect, and support victims of human trafficking. It will primarily affect those involved in trafficking, victims or advocates.
- While the target population is individuals at risk of trafficking or involved in human trafficking work, a significant portion of the population may only notice a minor indirect effect, such as increased public awareness and improved consumer choices against forced labor products.
- Budget constraints mean direct assistance will focus on high-priority areas and initiatives within CCHT, likely impacting individuals in direct contact with affected areas or sectors, especially those employed in preventing trafficking or working with nonprofits.
- The legislation integrates efforts across the Department of Homeland Security, indicating a systematic approach that combines existing resources rather than creating entirely new programs, enhancing cost-effectiveness and reach.
- Awareness campaigns like the Blue Campaign aim to provide societal benefits through education, helping reduce victimization rates and improve reporting and intervention steps.
Simulated Interviews
Nonprofit worker (Florida)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe centralizing efforts through CCHT will streamline our work and provide clearer communication channels.
- Transferring the Blue Campaign to CCHT can enhance public awareness, which is critical to prevention and support efforts.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Customs officer (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could improve our training and resource allocation, making us more effective in identifying trafficking cases.
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 | 7 | 4 |
Social worker (California)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The CCHT's strategy can help standardize procedures across agencies, providing more consistent support for victims.
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 | 8 | 4 |
Educator (New York)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The national awareness effort can extend the reach of educational materials, improving prevention.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Law enforcement (Illinois)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having a dedicated center like CCHT will enhance interagency cooperation on cases.
- Policy focus on forced labor is also critical given its prevalence.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retail worker (Ohio)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy will increase transparency about the supply chain in stores.
- Awareness programs can help informed consumer choices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Attorney (Georgia)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The CCHT can provide better legal frameworks and support for survivors seeking justice.
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 | 7 | 4 |
College student (Nevada)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could be a great case study to see if centralizing efforts can create real change.
- Public campaigns might raise awareness among students.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Journalist (North Carolina)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill could mean more reliable data and resources for investigative stories.
- Public knowledge is key to solving this issue.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Policy analyst (Washington)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased coordination may improve policy outcomes, important for tackling forced labor issues too.
- Looking forward to seeing the CCHT's impact on existing labor frameworks.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $9000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $11000000)
Year 3: $8500000 (Low: $6500000, High: $10500000)
Year 5: $8000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $10000000)
Year 10: $7500000 (Low: $5500000, High: $9500000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Key Considerations
- Implementation of such a policy requires extensive coordination within DHS and efficient resource allocation to the CCHT.
- Careful tracking of expenditure and benefits is necessary to validate the ongoing funding of the CCHT.
- The potential decrease in forced labor goods may impact industries reliant on inexpensive imports, leading to short-term volatility in certain sectors.