What was the first comprehensive federal law to address the trafficking of persons?

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 is recognized as the first comprehensive federal law that aimed to tackle the issue of human trafficking in the United States. This landmark legislation was pivotal in establishing a framework for combating trafficking in persons and includes provisions for prevention, prosecution, and protection of victims. It marked a significant turning point by providing resources and a national mechanism to address the complexities of trafficking, promoting efforts to fight against both sex trafficking and labor trafficking. As a result, the law set a precedent for future legislation and initiatives aimed at combating human trafficking, reflecting the government's commitment to addressing this important human rights issue on a broad scale.