2 versions

TransformativeWhat changed in REPORTED TO SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (Apr 10, 2025)

A complete substitute amendment. v2 removes the provisions related to human trafficking awareness signs at rest stops and their eligibility for federal funding. It retains only the provisions concerning the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking, renumbering them from Section 3 to Section 2.

S. 1442119th CongressIntroduced Apr 10, 2025

Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act

Reported To SenateTransportation and Public WorksNarrow

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
Committees: Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
Last action: Oct 14, 2025

Bottom line

The bill expands the Department of Transportation's Human Trafficking Advisory Committee to include State transportation officials.

What it actually does

This bill, as reported with an amendment, amends the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act to expand the membership of the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking. It increases the committee's size from 15 to 16 members and specifically adds a representative from State departments of transportation. The bill also sets a deadline for the Secretary of Transportation to appoint this new member.

Section 2

Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking Amendments

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section amends Section 5 of the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act. It increases the total number of members on the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking from 15 to 16. The new member must be a representative from State departments of transportation. The Secretary of Transportation is required to appoint this new member within 9 months of the bill's enactment.

FOUND

The original bill text, which was struck out by amendment, included provisions to amend title 49 and title 23 of the United States Code to make projects for the installation of human trafficking awareness signs at rest stops and welcome centers eligible for federal transportation funding (Local and Regional Project Assistance and Surface Transportation Block Grant Program). These provisions were entirely removed in the reported version of the bill.

Original Sections 2(a) and 2(b) (struck by amendment)

Why it matters:This represents a substantive change made during the committee reporting process, significantly narrowing the bill's scope. While not 'buried' in complex language, the discrepancy between the official title and the reported text means a key original purpose of the bill was removed.

Case for: Proponents of removing these provisions might argue that it streamlines the bill, focuses federal efforts on advisory and coordination roles, or addresses concerns about the scope or funding mechanisms for signage projects. It could also be a strategic move to ensure passage of the remaining, less contentious, provisions.

Case against: Critics of removing these provisions might contend that it weakens the bill's direct impact on combating human trafficking by eliminating a tangible, visible measure for public awareness. They might argue that federal support for such signs is a valuable tool in prevention and identification efforts.

Estimated impact: The removal of these provisions eliminates a potential avenue for federal funding and support for human trafficking awareness signage projects at rest stops and welcome centers, shifting the financial burden and initiative for such projects entirely to state or local entities, or other federal programs.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.