Committee approves bipartisan bill to strengthen Labor Department training to detect human trafficking, 36–0
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Summary
The committee unanimously approved HR 4307 to require Department of Labor training and an annual report to Congress aimed at improving detection and referral of human trafficking cases; members urged accompanying funding to ensure enforcement capacity.
The House Education and Workforce Committee unanimously approved HR 4307, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, on Jan. 7, 2026, voting 36–0 to report the bill to the full House.
Lawmakers described the bill as a bipartisan measure to standardize education for Department of Labor employees so they can better detect and refer suspected instances of forced labor and human trafficking to law enforcement and victim services. The bill requires regular training, flexible education delivery formats, and an annual report to Congress on agency education efforts and response metrics.
Chair (as introduced by the clerk) described the bill’s intent: "This bipartisan bill ... will strengthen Department of Labor's ability to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable adults and children," and said the text incorporates technical assistance and a previously accepted amendment clarifying training needs in states with increases in child labor violations.
Support for the bill crossed party lines. Representative Lucy McBath thanked the chairman and praised bipartisan cooperation, saying that Congress "should just do what's right" for victims. Supporters also emphasized that DOL investigators such as Wage and Hour Division staff already have frontline opportunities to identify trafficking and that targeted training would improve referrals and protections.
Several members, including Democrats, pressed the committee to ensure the training is accompanied by adequate funding and staffing. Ranking Member Robert C. Scott noted that the bill does not itself authorize funding for training or the annual report and warned that proposed budget cuts — including a cited 38% proposed reduction to the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (iLab) — could undermine implementation. Representative DeSaulnier offered an amendment to formally authorize iLab; after discussion he withdrew the amendment and said he would continue to work with the chairman on authorization.
The committee adopted an amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR 4307 and agreed to report the bill to the House. The clerk announced a recorded vote of 36 yeas and 0 nays. Committee materials and the amended text will be transmitted to the House for further action.
