Rep Carolyn Maloney Pushes Bill To Force U.S. Companies To Stop Human Trafficking

Are you wearing clothing that was made with forced labor? Rep. Carolyn Maloney (pictured at New York’s City Hall this past week) says it’s virtually impossible to go through the day without using products made using victims of human trafficking.

Representative Maloney introduced a bill this week that would require large US companies to disclose their efforts to ensure that no young children, adult slaves, or human trafficking victims are part of their supply chains. While the rule would not compel companies to take such precautions, it could give those that do a competitive edge.

Consumers “might want to buy a shirt that’s not made with slave labor,” said Maloney. “And they’ll be able to do it with this reporting system.”

…Millions of children, women, and men around the world are forced into their jobs. Against their will, they produce coffee in Kenya, electronics in China, rubber in Burma – nearly 130 goods in 70 countries, according to a 2010 US Department of Labor report.

Republican-backed groups like the California Chamber of Commerce oppose this kind of legislation. The question now becomes whether congressional Republicans will listen to their corporate masters or do the right thing.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.