United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act
Summary
The United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act aims to combat illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere through a multi-year strategy. It focuses on reducing the negative environmental and social impacts of illegal gold mining, strengthening law enforcement, and fostering international cooperation. The Act also addresses the role of illicit actors, including criminal organizations and terrorist groups, in the gold trade.
Expected Effects
This Act will likely lead to increased scrutiny of gold supply chains, enhanced due diligence requirements for businesses, and potential sanctions against individuals and entities involved in illicit gold mining. It could also result in improved environmental protection in mining areas and better working conditions for miners. The Act mandates classified briefings and investigations into illicit gold activities, particularly in Venezuela.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced environmental damage from illicit mining.
- Weakening of transnational criminal organizations.
- Improved economic opportunities for legitimate miners.
- Enhanced international cooperation in combating illicit activities.
- Greater transparency in gold supply chains.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs for businesses due to enhanced due diligence.
- Possible unintended consequences for legitimate mining operations.
- Risk of escalating tensions with countries involved in illicit gold trade.
- The strategy's effectiveness depends on international cooperation, which may be challenging to secure.
- Potential for increased surveillance and data collection, raising privacy concerns.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare and providing for the common defense by addressing transnational crime and environmental concerns. Congress's power to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8) supports the Act's provisions on international cooperation and trade regulation. The Act includes a rule of construction clarifying that it does not authorize the use of military force, respecting the constitutional allocation of war powers between Congress and the President.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).