McCaul, Lee Carter Reintroduce Legislation, Renamed in Sheila Jackson Lee’s Honor, to Combat Child Trafficking

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Congresswoman Erica Lee Carter (D-Texas) reintroduced the Sheila Jackson Lee Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones Act to increase penalties for human trafficking offenses involving children. They also renamed the legislation after the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who co-wrote the original bill, in honor of her work and dedication to end human trafficking.

"Human trafficking is an unspeakable and egregious violation of human rights, and it often preys upon the most vulnerable among us: our children," said Rep. McCaul. "Currently, over 80,000 minors are known to be victims of trafficking in Texas alone, and this number continues to increase among school-aged children. I am proud to introduce this legislation alongside Congresswoman Erica Lee Carter. I know she will carry on her mother's fighting spirit to combat the scourge of human trafficking. Together, we will increase the penalties for those who commit this atrocious crime, make schools safer for our precious children, and end this modern-day form of slavery once and for all."

"I want to thank Rep. McCaul for reintroducing this bill in honor of my mother, the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and for his support on this critical measure aimed at protecting children," said Congresswoman Lee Carter."As a leader in combatting human and sex trafficking, this legacy bill 'The Sheila Jackson Lee Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones Act' will continue to live on representing her zealous advocacy to combat the growing epidemic of human and sex trafficking plaguing our communities. In a time where child sex trafficking poses one of the greatest threats to our children, school zones must be protected. And as a mother and former schoolteacher, I will continue to fight for the passage of this important bill and for the educational safety and protection of all children and minors."

Background:

Rep. McCaul and former Congresswoman Jackson Lee first introduced this bill - previously titled the Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones Act- during the 117th Congress.

This bill establishes an additional five years of prison time for certain human trafficking offenses that occur in a school zone or within 1,000 feet of school-sponsored activity.

Read the full text of the Shelia Jackson Lee Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones Act here.

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