The New York Times published an editorial yesterday highlighting the fact that Congress, despite successful reauthorization efforts since the law's inception in 2000 and the documented need for services for victims of human trafficking, has allowed the reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) to lapse since last reauthorized in 2008. The editorial refers to the politicking currently taking place in the House and Senate as "especially tragic at a time when innovative approaches are making gains."

The Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking (ATEST) submitted a letter to Congressional leadership on January 11th with a similar message, appealing to what has historically been bipartisan support on this issue to reauthorize the legislation in the interest of the many victims and survivors that are in need of services.

To read the complete New York Times editorial, click here.