H.R.1724 - No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1724, the "No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act," aims to prohibit the use of funds appropriated to the Department of State or USAID for activities within the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China if those activities knowingly involve goods produced with forced labor. The bill requires the Secretary of State to obtain assurances from partners that they will not use goods produced in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and to develop compliance systems. It also mandates annual reports to Congress on enforcement challenges and improvement plans.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely restrict U.S. involvement in projects and programs within Xinjiang, impacting economic and diplomatic relations. It will increase scrutiny and compliance requirements for organizations receiving U.S. funding. The act may also lead to a re-evaluation of supply chains and sourcing practices to avoid goods produced with forced labor.
Potential Benefits
- Reduces complicity in human rights abuses related to forced labor.
- Promotes ethical sourcing and supply chain transparency.
- Strengthens U.S. commitment to human rights and international norms.
- Potentially encourages China to improve labor practices in Xinjiang.
- Enhances the reputation of U.S. foreign aid and development programs.
Potential Disadvantages
- May hinder humanitarian efforts or development projects in Xinjiang.
- Could strain diplomatic relations with China.
- Increases administrative burden and compliance costs for U.S. agencies and their partners.
- Potential for unintended consequences if alternative sourcing is not readily available.
- May face challenges in enforcement and verification of compliance.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare and securing the blessings of liberty, as stated in the Preamble. Congress's power to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8) supports the bill's restrictions on the use of funds for goods produced with forced labor. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).