Manatee Review

Congressman Vern Buchanan has introduced two bills aimed at protecting children from human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The first, the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Prevention Training Act, was co-introduced with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. This legislation seeks to combat human trafficking by educating students, teachers, and school personnel on identifying warning signs.

Buchanan emphasized the urgency of addressing human trafficking in Florida's Suncoast Region, which reports more cases than any other region in the state. "Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery," Buchanan stated. He stressed the importance of education in preventing future instances of trafficking.

Rep. Wasserman Schultz highlighted the role schools play in this strategy: “Schools should be at the center of our strategy to protect young people from human trafficking.” She noted that schools are essential for identifying at-risk youth and educating communities about warning signs.

The bill proposes a grant program within the Office of Trafficking in Persons under the Department of Health and Human Services. It would authorize $75 million over five years for training programs targeting students and educators. Priority will be given to nonprofits serving areas with high trafficking prevalence.

In 2023, Florida ranked third nationwide for reported human trafficking cases, with most involving children. Elizabeth Good from The Foundation United supports the bill, stating it is crucial for prevention efforts: “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent trafficking before it begins.”

The second bill, known as CREEPER Act 2.0, aims to curb pedophilia by banning lifelike sex dolls resembling children. Co-introduced with Rep. Jared Moskowitz, this act would prohibit their sale and possession nationally.

Buchanan described these products as "outrageous" and linked them to child exploitation: “We need to enact a national ban on these sickening dolls.” Moskowitz added his support: “I’m proud to stand beside sheriffs, district attorneys, and child safety advocates...to push this commonsense bipartisan bill.”

The CREEPER Act 2.0 builds on previous legislation introduced in 2017 but expands its scope by including provisions from a Florida law that also bans possession and sale.

Experts like Peter Fagan from John Hopkins School of Medicine warn that such dolls can "normalize" pedophilia and increase risks to real children.

Buchanan has been active in legislative efforts against child abuse. He recently co-introduced the TAKE IT DOWN Act to address revenge porn issues online and previously supported measures requiring collaboration between nonprofits and federal agencies on child exploitation prevention.