On Wednesday, May 7, Buckner International cohosted a powerful U.S. Senate Reception focused on combating child trafficking and exploitation. Held in the Russell Senate Office Building, the event brought together policymakers, diplomats, and collaborators to raise awareness and inspire action.  

Having served vulnerable communities for nearly 150 years and one of Texas' oldest nonprofits, we were pleased to have the International Justice Mission (IJM) members and distinguished leaders including  U.S. Senator John Cornyn, Congressman Michael McCaul, Chairman Emeritus of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee and New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee join us to discuss human trafficking, a critical issue facing many vulnerable children and families. 

Setting the Stage for Change 

Dr. Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner International, opened our program with a heartfelt remark expressing gratitude to our partners and underscoring Buckner’s mission. Under his leadership, Buckner has expanded our child protection and family preservation programs internationally to proactively strengthen families and communities. Dr. Reyes also shared the history of our nonprofit, which began 14 years after the Civil War when founder R.C. Buckner welcomed three orphaned children into his care. That legacy lives on today as we work globally to address the underlying causes that leave children and their families vulnerable to all forms of exploitation, including human trafficking. 

 
Inspiring Addresses from Leaders 
 
Senator John Cornyn, a longtime friend and supporter of Buckner, delivered the keynote address emphasizing the intersection of child protection and his legislative priorities.  He discussed his legislative efforts, such as the Debbie Smith Act, the Jenna Quinn Law, the Project Safe Childhood Act, and the Find and Protect Foster Youth Act, which have all been aimed at helping victims of abuse, and particularly child victims. The Senator praised Buckner’s work to protect children and the importance of defending the most vulnerable in our society. 

 
The Senator was followed by Congressman McCaul. As chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a leading cosponsor of the newly introduced H.R. 2961: Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025, Rep. McCaul highlighted this landmark legislation. Authored by his colleague and fellow cosponsor, Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), alongside Representative Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), and with input from Frederick Douglass’ descendants, this five-year reauthorization enhances policy programs, strengthens laws, and adds accountability for combating human trafficking.
 
 
Following Rep. McCaul, Congressman Chris Smith took the stage and delivered a compelling address on the significance of H.R. 2961. As the author of this legislation, Smith praised its framework, which continues FY 2024 appropriation levels to support the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for victim benefits and assistance, including funds towards National Human Trafficking Hotline, Department of Justice victim protection services, and Housing Assistance Grants. Smith’s address celebrated the bipartisan support and framed the act as a bold step forward in the global fight against trafficking, emphasizing its importance to national security and justice. 
 
The evening concluded with closing remarks from Shawn Kohl, Director of IJM’s European Anti-Trafficking Program and Nate King, Director, U.S. Policy and Advocacy, who offered insights into IJM’s global efforts to strengthen justice systems and protect the vulnerable leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance. 
 
A Shared Mission and Vision 
 
Throughout the night, the program highlighted the powerful synergy between Buckner International and IJM. Dr. Reyes spoke proudly of our tireless efforts to tackle the underlying issues affecting the families we serve. Central to this mission are our Family Hope Centers, which operate across Texas and internationally addressing root causes of child endangerment such as poverty, lack of education, and family instability. These centers provide comprehensive support—counseling, parenting classes, job training, and community resources—to strengthen families and prevent the conditions that lead to trafficking. 
 
Abroad, particularly in regions like East Africa and Latin America, this model empowers caregivers with tools to keep children safe, while our programs deliver education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to break the cycle of vulnerability. 
 
Dr. Reyes also emphasized Buckner’s innovative approach to economic strengthening, spotlighting Buckner’s impact investing partnership with the Eagle Freedom Fund. The Fund deploys capital into businesses that are not only directly combatting slavery and human trafficking from multiple angles but also encouraging high-quality employment and economic stability for survivors and at-risk families – a strategy Senator Cornyn has known well from its inception. The Fund’s growing success is transforming communities by addressing the economic drivers of exploitation.   

  
Dr. Reyes also acknowledged the presence of Guatemala’s Ambassador Beteta, whose country was the site where the first Buckner Family Hope Center was officially launched—marking a pivotal moment in our international outreach. 

 
IJM’s proven model, which has reduced trafficking and violence by 50–85% in nine jurisdictions worldwide, complements Buckner’s efforts. Together, we underscored why this work matters – human trafficking is a $236 billion criminal industry that threatens global supply chains, fuels corruption, and destabilizes communities. 

 
A Call to Action 
 
At the end of our program, guests were invited to stay and continue the conversation. The presence of ambassadors from Guatemala, Haiti, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Thailand, along with our sponsors KVG represented by CEO John Boyer, and Live Oak Strategies represented by CEO Ryan Thompson highlighted the global scope of this issue and the importance of national and international partnerships. 
 
We recognized the vital support of the State Department’s TIP Office, whose resources and annual Trafficking in Persons Report are indispensable tools in this fight. Representatives from UNICEF, The McCain Institute, The Salvation Army, Baptist World Alliance, including Dr. Elijah Brown, General Secretary and CEO of the Baptist World Alliance, and members of the Accord Network, including World Vision, enriched the collaborative spirit. 

 
This reception was more than an event; it was a reminder of what we can achieve together. As Dr. Reyes noted. 
 
The leadership of Smith and McCaul in advancing Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025 exemplifies this spirit, providing a legislative framework to enhance our efforts. We are grateful to all who joined us, including Congressman Keith Self, our partners, and sponsors, for their commitment to protecting children and ending exploitation. 

 
Buckner International remains committed to this mission, rooted in our Texas heritage and calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to those we serve. 
 
Stay tuned for updates on our future events and programs, including exciting initiatives in Ethiopia, and join us in this vital work. Together, we can ensure every child has a chance at a safe and loving future. 

Written By Salome Gasabile, Director of Federal Government Relations, Buckner International