The CPAC Combating Human Trafficking Coalition calls on the Democrats to re-open the government by supporting a clean, continuing resolution which will end the delay of resources for survivors of modern day slavery and support our law enforcement holding criminal traffickers accountable.

Our organization has strongly supported S. 2584, the Enduring Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, which would permanently eliminate the sunset on a special fine collected from those convicted of human trafficking, sexual abuse, child exploitation, and related crimes. Human traffickers must be held accountable, and this assessment ensures those found guilty of modern day slavery pay a significant financial price for their crimes.

But now that the Democrats have shut down the government, the sunset provision has taken effect and these fines are no longer in place meaning trafficking offenders can walk away without financial accountability, denying victims the justice and resources they deserve. It is imperative that we reopen our government and return the tools to federal prosecutors to hold human traffickers accountable and support survivors of these horrific crimes.