Politisphere

H.R. 1144: Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025

A House bill (H.R.) in the 119th U.S. Congress.

Overview

Congress119th U.S. Congress (2025–2026)
TypeHouse bill (H.R.)
Originating chamberHouse
Introduced2025-02-07
SponsorRep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Policy areaCrime and Law Enforcement
Cosponsors20
Latest action2025-07-22 — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Last updated2026-07-18

Summary

Official summary (Introduced in House, 2025-02-07):

Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025
 
This bill reauthorizes programs and activities that combat international trafficking; establishes a new program to help victims of trafficking; and updates various elements of the federal framework to combat international trafficking.

Specifically, this bill reauthorizes through FY2029 programs and activities at various federal departments and agencies to combat international trafficking and reduce the prevalence of modern slavery. The bill also reauthorizes International Megan’s Law through FY2029. Among its provisions, the law requires sex offenders to provide certain information about their intended travel outside of the United States.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to carry out a new program to help victims of trafficking integrate or reintegrate into society.

The bill requires the Department of State's Trafficking in Persons Report to include information about trafficking in persons for the purposes of organ removal. 

With respect to country rankings for anti-trafficking efforts, the bill narrows the types of countries that are listed on the Tier 2 Watch List and increases the length of time a country may remain on the Tier 2 Watch List after being downgraded to the lowest ranking and then reinstated to the watch list. (The Tier 2 Watch List refers to countries that are making efforts to meet international standards for combatting human trafficking but still have a significant number of severe trafficking cases.)
 
Finally, the bill requires counter-trafficking strategies, activities, and efforts to be further incorporated into U.S. foreign assistance. 

Cosponsors (20)

NameParty / state
Kweisi Mfume D MD (original cosponsor) 2025-02-07
Michael T. McCaul R TX (original cosponsor) 2025-02-07
Maria Elvira Salazar R FL (original cosponsor) 2025-02-07
Brian Jack R GA 2025-02-14
Henry Cuellar D TX 2025-02-14
Joe Wilson R SC 2025-02-25
Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen R AS 2025-02-25
David G. Valadao R CA 2025-02-25
Ann Wagner R MO 2025-03-05
Blake D. Moore R UT 2025-03-05
Brad Sherman D CA 2025-07-22
Eugene Simon Vindman D VA 2025-07-23
Sarah McBride D DE 2025-08-26
Brian K. Fitzpatrick R PA 2025-09-08
Eleanor Holmes Norton D DC 2025-09-15
George Whitesides D CA 2025-09-18
Mike Quigley D IL 2025-09-26
Lloyd Doggett D TX 2025-10-08
Pat Harrigan R NC 2025-10-21
Stephen F. Lynch D MA 2025-11-07

Full text & official record

The official bill text, section-by-section summary, amendments, committee reports, and the complete legislative timeline for H.R. 1144 are published by Congress on congress.gov.

View H.R. 1144 on congress.gov →

Frequently asked questions

What is H.R. 1144?

H.R. 1144 is a House bill (H.R.) introduced in the 119th U.S. Congress, originating in the House. Official title: Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025.

Where can I read the full bill text?

The full text, cosponsors, amendments, and legislative status for H.R. 1144 are available on congress.gov.

Bill data: congress.gov API (official congressional records).