Duval Times

In fiscal year 2023, violations related to forced child labor spiked. These numbers come as the media repeatedly highlights the need for greater transparency, accountability, and resources for the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the primary federal agency tasked with combating child labor violations.

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) have introduced a bill to ensure that the U.S. Congress receives an annual detailed report from the DOL on these violations. The legislation also grants the DOL more time to obtain a court order to stop the shipment of goods produced with forced child labor.

"Above all, minors in the United States should not be exploited, and it is necessary to strengthen U.S. laws to ensure that these children are protected from abusive situations. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that Congress receives more information to better address these illegal practices," said Senator Rubio.

"We must do everything in our power to take strong action against companies that illegally profit from the exploitation of child labor, including unaccompanied migrant children. That is why I am proud to join Senators Rubio, Hickenlooper, and Marshall in working on a bipartisan basis to expand the window in which the Department of Labor can hold companies accountable for these unacceptable abuses and demand more comprehensive annual reports for the U.S. Congress on federal law violations regarding forced child labor," said Senator Padilla.

"Across the country, children are being exploited to perform dangerous and underpaid work, especially vulnerable migrant children. Our legislation will increase accountability and transparency. It will also make it easier to identify and stop child labor," added Senator Hickenlooper.

"The violation of child labor laws is a heinous crime that must be punished with strict and swift sanctions. The U.S. Congress should have access to all information when investigating these abuses that affect children. The additional reports required in this legislation are essential for us to better combat crimes related to forced child labor in the future," emphasized Senator Marshall.

The bill presented by Senators Rubio, Padilla, Hickenlooper, and Marshall aims to address the concerning rise in forced child labor violations. By requiring the DOL to provide detailed annual reports to Congress, it seeks to enhance transparency and ensure that lawmakers have the necessary information to tackle these illegal practices effectively.

The legislation also recognizes the need to extend the time frame for the DOL to obtain court orders to halt the shipment of goods produced with forced child labor. This provision will provide the agency with more time to take action against companies profiting from child exploitation.

It is crucial to protect minors from abusive situations and provide them with the necessary support and resources. This bipartisan effort demonstrates a commitment to combating forced child labor and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

As the bill makes its way through the legislative process, it is hoped that the proposed measures will garner widespread support. By strengthening U.S. laws and increasing accountability, the aim is to create a safer and more just environment for children, free from the exploitation of forced labor.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/rubio-padilla-hickenlooper-marshall-presentan-ley-para-responsabilizar-a-culpables-de-trabajo-infantil-forzoso/