Sen. Husted bill to stop human trafficking passes Senate, heads to president’s desk

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sens. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Chairman of the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) and Rep. Lucy McBath’s (D-Ga.) bipartisan, bicameral Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act passed the Senate unanimously and is headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

This bill directs the Department of Labor (DOL) to train its employees to identify human trafficking and refer suspected trafficking crimes to law enforcement. While DOL employees are on the ground conducting workplace inspections, they will be able to spot human trafficking behavior in real time.

“Human trafficking is a national tragedy, and we need to do everything we can to stop it. This law will help ensure federal workers are equipped to spot the signs of human trafficking and refer suspected crimes to law enforcement. I’m proud this bill will be my fourth bill signed into law since I took office. This is a great example of the bipartisan work we can accomplish for the American people, and I look forward to the lives this law will help save,” said Husted.

“The fight against human trafficking should never be a partisan issue. Survivors and victims in Michigan and across the country are owed justice, accountability, and meaningful action to prevent these crimes from happening in the first place. Our bipartisan bill, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, provides the Department of Labor with the necessary framework to address these unthinkable crimes head-on. I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to get this important legislation passed and look forward to seeing it signed into law,” said Slotkin.

“Human trafficking can hide in plain sight, and this bill will help more people recognize the warning signs. I’m glad the Senate unanimously passed my bill and sent it to President Trump’s desk. By giving Department of Labor employees the right training, we can help identify victims sooner and get potential cases to law enforcement,” said Walberg.

“Human trafficking is a devastating crime that preys on the most vulnerable and robs victims of their freedom and dignity. We have a responsibility to ensure that those on the front lines in our communities and across the federal government have the tools necessary to help combat this crime and provide survivors with a path to safety. Strengthening training for Department of Labor employees is an important step toward recognizing the signs of human trafficking, protecting victims, and connecting them with the resources they need. I thank my colleagues for their support,” said McBath.

The Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act passed the Senate unanimously.

In 2024, law enforcement recorded 334 human trafficking cases involving 509 victims in Ohio.

This bill also requires the DOL to submit a report to Congress detailing its training and referral efforts no later than one year after the DOL implements the program.

Walberg introduced the companion bill to the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking in the House of Representatives. The bill passed the House on March 3, 2026.