Congressman Cohen Announces SOAR Act Becomes Law

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced that the Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Program was signed into law over the New Year's holiday. The SOAR Act will provide training for front-line first responders and health professionals so they can identify and know how best to respond to possible instances of human trafficking when victims appear for needed care.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"The bill is the result of an event held at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis in 2016 where a discussion of human trafficking awareness training was held among first responders, health care workers, faith-based groups, educators and local government officials. The new law's $4 million a year in training grants will help health professionals identify the tell-tale signs of those who have been or are being held captive and give them the tools to safely and effectively intervene. I want to thank Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-Missouri) and Congressmen Tony Cardenas (D-California) and Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois) for their work on this bill which is sure to save lives."