Editorial Notes
References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is Pub. L. 117–322, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4433, known as the Countering Human Trafficking Act of 2021, which enacted this section and section 242b of this title and provisions set out as notes under this section and section 242 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1 of Pub. L. 117–322, set out as a Short Title of 2022 Amendment note under section 101 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Countering Human Trafficking Act of 2021, and not as part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Forced Labor Requirements: Department of Homeland Security

Pub. L. 117–347, title IV, § 406(b), Jan. 5, 2023, 136 Stat. 6209, provided that:

“(1)
In general.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 5, 2023], the Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish a team of not less than 10 agents within the Center for Countering Human Trafficking of the Department of Homeland Security to be assigned to exclusively investigate labor trafficking.
“(2)
Authorization of appropriations.—
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out paragraph (1) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 to 2027, to remain available until expended.”

Sense of Congress

Pub. L. 117–322, § 2, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4433, provided that: “It is the sense of Congress that—

“(1)
the victim-centered approach must become universally understood, adopted, and practiced;
“(2)
criminal justice efforts must increase the focus on, and adeptness at, investigating and prosecuting forced labor cases;
“(3)
corporations must eradicate forced labor from their supply chains;
“(4)
the Department of Homeland Security must lead by example—
“(A)
by ensuring that its government supply chain of contracts and procurement are not tainted by forced labor; and
“(B)
by leveraging all of its authorities against the importation of goods produced with forced labor; and
“(5)
human trafficking training, awareness, identification, and screening efforts—
“(A)
are a necessary first step for prevention, protection, and enforcement; and
“(B)
should be evidence-based to be most effective.”