WASHINGTON, D.C. (KELO AM) Despite the divisive political climate in Washington, Kristi Noem-backed legislation to better fight human trafficking has unanimously sailed through the House.
Noem says its even a big problem in mostly rural South Dakota, as evidenced from recent undercover online ads placed by law enforcement.
"In less than two days, they had over 100 responses to purchase these young girls for sex." Noem related at a Washington news conference to applaud the non-partisan overwhelming passage of the bills.
Noem says the legislation will give law enforcement the tools to go after those who buy and sell children.
The House passd the Noem-backed Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Act, reauthorizing resources to fight traffickers and protect victims.
Additionally, the House passed the Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act, cosponsored by Noem. This bill would expand eligibility for federal grants to help local law enforcement fight sex trafficking.
Noem says both bills are supported by President Trump and now go to the U.S. Senate.