It has been well over a century that slavery has been outlawed in the United States, but the evil institution still thrives worldwide. UNICEF estimates that over 45 million people are pawns in the multibillion-dollar transnational industry of modern day slavery.

The sheer scope and scale of the problem is daunting, but the United States is committed to its eradication. Legislation passed the House following last month’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report from the State Department. The three bills are based on the idea that human trafficking will only end when prevention and prosecution strategies are broad and comprehensive, combining and coordinating resources across state, federal, and even international lines.