On Tuesday, the Senate announced that it came to an agreement on the terms of an anti-sex trafficking bill. After weeks of deliberation, the Republicans and Democrats struck a deal with the bill that will help victims of sex trafficking and prosecute sex offenders.
The agreement reached by the two parties in Senate translates to a vote on Loretta Lynch's confirmation as the Attorney General. President Barrack Obama nominated Lynch about five months ago. Republicans are opposed to Loretta Lynch because of her support for Obama's immigration policies.
The bill to fight sex trafficking is expected to be supported by an overwhelming majority of the Senate. Republicans and Democrats decided to create two different funds for victims of sex trafficking. One of the funds, which will be created from fines paid by sex offenders, will be used towards non-health related costs. The other fund, which is a federal fund, will be used to finance health related costs. The former fund, financed by sex criminals, can be used to finance abortions for the victims.
Originally, the anti-sex trafficking bill did not provide victims with any financial support for abortions. Democrats did not agree with the anti-abortion provision and blocked the bill from vote earlier this year. Traditionally, federal funds have been restricted from being used for abortions. With the new compromise, the bill is expected to be passed quickly.
"I’m thrilled we were finally able to come together to break the impasse over this vital legislation. I look forward to swift passage in the Senate so we can ensure victims of human trafficking receive the resources they need to restore their lives," said Senator John Cornyn, the main sponsor of the bill and Texas Republican.
Many organizations have helped in the formation of the bill. Sex trafficking is a serious problem in the United States and abroad. The new bill will hopefully deter the growth of the industry by having harsher penalties for solicitors of sex trafficking.
