Bill · H.R. 2310· House(119-HR-2310)
COBALT Supply Chain Act
- Introduced
- 3/24/2025
- Last activity
- 3/24/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Christopher Smith
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "COBALT Supply Chain Act," aims to prevent goods containing cobalt refined in the People's Republic of China (PRC) from entering the United States under the presumption that they were produced using child or forced labor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It establishes a rebuttable presumption that such "covered goods" are made with forced or child labor, effectively prohibiting their entry unless importers prove otherwise. The legislation directs the creation of an enforcement strategy by the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force to trace supply chains and prevent these goods from entering through third countries. Additionally, the President must certify annually that federal vehicle purchases are free of parts made or mined with child or forced labor in the DRC or the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. This measure is designed to address national security concerns regarding the PRC's dominance in the cobalt sector.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would children be better off under this?+7
The bill specifically targets the prevention of child labor in the cobalt mining industry.
Is this likely to lift people out of poverty?+5
The bill seeks to reduce poverty by combating child and forced labor practices in global supply chains.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill requires presidential certification and public reports regarding federal procurement.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
Importers face new regulatory burdens and the need for clear and convincing evidence of supply chain compliance.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-3
The rebuttable presumption shifts the burden of proof to importers, which may impact due process standards.
Does this make trade with other countries easier?-2
The bill introduces new trade restrictions and burdens of proof that could complicate international trade flows.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Ending Labor Exploitation: The bill aims to lead the international community in ending child labor and forced labor practices (Section 3).
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Increased Supply Chain Transparency: The enforcement strategy includes measures to trace the origin of goods and offer greater supply chain transparency (Section 5).
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Federal Accountability: The President is required to certify that all vehicles purchased by the United States Government (excluding the Department of Defense) are free of parts made or mined with child or forced labor (Section 6).
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National Security Protections: The bill recognizes the PRC's dominance in the cobalt sector as a national security concern and seeks to address it through a joint strategy by various Federal agencies (Section 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Burden of Proof on Importers: Importers must provide "clear and convincing evidence" to prove their goods do not contain cobalt refined in the PRC to avoid the presumption of forced or child labor (Section 4).
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Potential Trade Restrictions: The bill mandates the prohibition of entry for covered goods at any U.S. ports, which could impact the movement of goods containing cobalt (Section 4).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+5Improves Border Security+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5Increases Federal Power+4Improves Due Process-3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+7Good For Business Owners-4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+3Improves International Trade-2
- 4/3/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/24/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House
Aumua Amata RadewagenRepublican · American Samoa