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Human trafficking is a $150 billion global industry according to the International Labor Organization. It's an issue impacting families around the world, but especially here in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Now U.S. Congressman Bryan Steil (R-Janesville) is proposing a federal law he hopes would reduce the problem.

Among the thousands of cars traveling along the I-94 corridor between Milwaukee and Chicago every day, traffickers are actively doing business.

Combating human trafficking in Wisconsin by holding countries abroad accountable is the idea behind a new bill in Washington, D.C.

Law enforcement officials know I-94 is a pipeline for criminals.

"I-94 has always been a corridor for illegal activities," said Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling.

That includes human trafficking. Sheriff Schmaling said he worries it's just going to get worse.

Rep. Bryan Steil introduced his first bill on Tuesday.

The bill focuses on combating human trafficking and holding countries accountable for their involvement.

Steil made the announcement during a press conference in Racine.

"Human trafficking on a global scale is a $150 billion operation we need to put a dent in that, we need to end that," he said.

Steil says the bipartisan bill will help fight human trafficking along the Interstate 94 corridor from Milwaukee County to the Illinois state line.

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Janesville, is introducing his first bill after hearing concerns from sheriffs in his district that human trafficking is one of their top concerns.

Steil rolled out his "Exposing the Financing of Human Trafficking Act," in Janesville along with law enforcement officials Tuesday.

Remembering the sacrifices made by veterans — and assuring that future generations do the same — was a theme that rang through Sunday's Memorial Day ceremony at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Ceremony.

Before a standing-room-only crowd, local dignitaries paid their respects to the fallen and urged everyone in attendance to never forget those who died for their country.

"We will not forget the great sacrifice ... the many have made for the great cause of freedom, and we do not take it lightly," pastor David DeBerge said in his invocation.

Republican Representative Bryan Steil hosted three listening sessions across his district on Friday.

In Milton, he shared with his constituents the issues he's tackling in Washington, D.C.

Some of those include providing mental health services for veterans and protecting social security for seniors.

"For me to be a voice to be voice in Washington, I need to hear from people day in and day out," said Steil.

Rep. Steil also took questions from many people on topics ranging from climate change to President Trump's Administration.

In order to effectively represent the voice of the people, freshman Congressman Bryan Steil, R-Wis., often uses simple advice from this mother.

"She would always say, ‘You have two ears and one mouth,'" Steil said. "Use them in that proportion."

Steil, representing the state's 1st Congressional District, met with constituents at Gateway Technical College, 3520 30th Ave., during a listening session Friday.

He hosted sessions in Milton and Waukesha as well.