Duval Times

In response to the alarming increase in child labor violations in Fiscal Year 2023, a group of bipartisan senators have introduced the Child Labor Accountability Act of 2023. This legislation aims to address the urgent need for increased transparency, accountability, and resources within the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to combat child labor violations.

The bill, introduced by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Roger Marshall (R-KS), seeks to ensure that Congress receives a detailed annual report from the DOL on these violations. It also provides the DOL with additional time to obtain a court order to halt the shipment of goods produced with unlawful child labor.

Senator Rubio emphasizes the importance of protecting minors in America, stating, "Above all, minors in America should not be exploited, and U.S. law needs to be strengthened to make sure these children are protected from abusive scenarios. This bipartisan legislation will ensure Congress receives more information to better address these illegal practices."

Senator Padilla highlights the need to crack down on companies profiting from the exploitation of child labor, including unaccompanied migrant children. He expresses his pride in joining Senators Rubio, Hickenlooper, and Marshall in their efforts to expand the window of accountability for the Department of Labor. He states, "We must do everything in our power to... require more comprehensive annual reports for Congress on federal child labor law violations."

Senator Hickenlooper draws attention to the widespread exploitation of children across the country, particularly vulnerable migrant children. He asserts that the bill will increase accountability and transparency, making it easier to identify and put a stop to child labor.

Senator Marshall emphasizes the seriousness of violating child labor laws and the need for swift penalties. He expresses the importance of providing Congress with all the necessary information to investigate these abuses targeting children. He states, "The additional reporting required in this bill is essential for us to better combat child labor offenses in the future."

The introduction of the Child Labor Accountability Act of 2023 comes as media reports have repeatedly highlighted the pressing need for action in combating child labor violations. This bipartisan effort aims to strengthen U.S. laws and ensure that minors in America are protected from exploitation. By requiring more comprehensive reporting and extending the DOL's authority to halt the shipment of goods produced with unlawful child labor, this legislation seeks to address the growing concern surrounding child labor offenses.

For those seeking more information on related efforts, in May 2023, Senators Rubio, Scott, and Cotton introduced legislation to stop the trafficking of unaccompanied migrant children, further emphasizing the commitment of lawmakers to protect vulnerable children from exploitation.

As the Child Labor Accountability Act of 2023 makes its way through the legislative process, stakeholders and advocates hope that this legislation will bring about meaningful change and contribute to the eradication of child labor in the United States.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/rubio-padilla-hickenlooper-marshall-introduce-child-labor-accountability-act/