Human Traffickers Targeted By TRAFFIC Act

Senators Introduce TRAFFIC Act to Stop Human Traffickers From Holding Transportation Licenses

Lawmakers are pushing a bipartisan plan to stop human traffickers from working in transportation jobs. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced the TRAFFIC Act, a bill that would create lifetime bans for anyone convicted of human trafficking crimes.

The TRAFFIC Act targets all transportation licenses issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Supporters say this step is needed as more trafficking cases involve the nation’s travel networks.

How Human Traffickers Use Transportation

A 2024 report from the DOT Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking shows how often human traffickers use the transportation system. The report says trafficking generates around $150 billion each year. It also notes that most international trafficking cases involve crossing official border points.

Victims traveled by bus (34%), train (33%), airplane (20%), car (11%), and boat (1%) when crossing official borders. In unofficial crossings, they used cars (28%), buses (26%), trains (15%), and boats (12%).

The report makes clear that trafficking does not happen only in trucking. It affects aviation, rail, buses, maritime travel, and more. Lawmakers say this is why federal rules must expand beyond commercial driver’s licenses.

How the TRAFFIC Act Blocks Human Traffickers

The TRAFFIC Act would create permanent bans for anyone convicted of human trafficking under federal, state, local, or tribal law. These bans would apply to major transportation roles, including:

• Commercial drivers
• Pilots
• Train conductors
• Locomotive operators
• Merchant mariners
• Any other DOT- or DHS-issued transportation credential

Current law covers only some commercial drivers. The TRAFFIC Act would apply the same rules across all transportation modes and close long-standing gaps.

Senator Blackburn said, “Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing illicit industries, and anyone convicted of these despicable offenses should be permanently barred from holding a federally issued transportation license.”

Senator Cortez Masto added, “Transportation workers should be focused on safety and security. People who have been convicted of human trafficking should never be allowed to fly commercial planes or conduct passenger trains – it’s just common sense.”

Why the TRAFFIC Act Targets Human Traffickers

Survivors told federal researchers that human traffickers moved them between cities, states, and even countries. They were transported by bus, train, airplane, rental cars, rideshare vehicles, and private cars. Many said transportation workers were the only people they saw during their abuse, making staff training and screening important.

The 2024 report also found gaps in how agencies collect trafficking data. These gaps make it hard to measure trends. Lawmakers say the TRAFFIC Act gives agencies stronger tools to protect victims and keep transportation systems safe.

How the TRAFFIC Act Fits Into Federal Efforts

The TRAFFIC Act builds on earlier anti-trafficking laws. These include:

• The No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act
• The Trafficking Victims Protection Act
• The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which requires regular trafficking reports
• Several FAA laws that require staff training and reporting

Federal agencies like DOT, DHS, the Department of Justice, and the Department of State continue to train transportation workers and raise awareness. The TRAFFIC Act adds another layer by blocking human traffickers from holding transportation credentials.

What Comes Next for the TRAFFIC Act

The TRAFFIC Act now goes to committee review in the Senate. If it moves forward, it would become one of the strongest federal measures aimed at keeping human traffickers out of safety-sensitive roles.

Supporters say the goal is simple: build safer travel systems, protect vulnerable people, and strengthen the nation’s response to human trafficking.