Bill · H.R. 10346· House(119-HR-10346)
Stop China’s Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act
- Introduced
- 9/10/2026
- Last activity
- 9/16/2026 — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 32 - 8.
- Sponsored by
- Christopher Smith
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill is titled the Stop China's Exploitation of Congolese Children and Adult Forced Labor through Cobalt Mining Act. It requires the government to investigate and stop goods made with forced or child labor in the cobalt mining industry of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from entering the United States. The bill mandates that the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force submit a complete strategy to Congress within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This strategy aims to enforce existing laws against importing goods made with forced labor, improve supply chain transparency, and track cobalt coming from third countries. Furthermore, it requires lists of entities using forced labor, regular updates, and coordination with nongovernmental organizations and private sector entities. Finally, the provisions in this section will end either after eight years or when the President determines that forced labor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo mining industry has ended.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would children be better off under this?+10
Specifically aims to stop the use of child labor in cobalt mining.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+5
Ensures consumers are not purchasing electronics powered by batteries made with forced labor.
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?+3
Requires technology companies to improve supply chain transparency for cobalt used in electronics.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
Importers face criminal risk and seizure of goods if supply chains contain forced labor cobalt.
Does this make trade with other countries easier?-3
Creates trade restrictions and potential seizures of goods originating from the DRC.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 3(a)(1): This provision requires a strategy to enforce laws preventing the importation of cobalt mined by forced labor, which can provide better supply chain transparency and ensure that forced-labor cobalt does not enter the United States. This is positive because it helps keep goods tainted by human rights abuses out of our markets.
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Section 3(b)(1): This provision requires a list of entities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that potentially mine or process cobalt using forced labor, alongside priority sectors for enforcement. This is positive because it gives officials clear targets to hold accountable and protects consumers from unknowingly buying these products.
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Section 3(b)(4): This provision creates a strategy to coordinate and collaborate with nongovernmental organizations and private sector entities to implement the enforcement strategy. This is positive because teamwork across different groups can help thoroughly track down and stop illegal mining practices.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 3(a): The text of the bill does not explicitly state any negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+10Good For Business Owners-4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Increases Federal Power+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Big Tech Regulation+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade-3
- 9/16/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 32 - 8.
- 9/10/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.