Bill targets Congo cobalt tied to child and forced labor
In markupH.R. 10346Latest action
Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith · Representative · NJ
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Official title: Stop China’s Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill orders a federal task force to investigate and report on forced-labor cobalt from the DRC entering the U.S.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill directs the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force to investigate forced labor in DRC cobalt mining and report to Congress within 180 days. The report must include a tracing strategy, a list of suspected mining companies and affected products, and plans for tracking technology and outside partnerships. The task force must update Congress every six months, and the requirement ends after 8 years or when forced labor in DRC mining is declared ended.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects U.S. companies importing cobalt or cobalt-containing products, including electronics and electric vehicle makers, along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and labor-enforcement agencies.
Why does it matter?
The bill does not ban any products immediately; instead it sets up investigation and reporting meant to strengthen enforcement of existing forced-labor import laws.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedSep 10, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Sep 16, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 32 - 8.