WHY SUPPORT THE CONGO CONFLICT MINERALS ACT?

If its journey through the Senate is successful, this bill will play a vital role in halting the use of conflict minerals in our everyday electronics products – our cell phones, our printers, and our laptop computers. Introduced by Senators Brownback (R-KS), Feingold (D-WI), and Durbin (D-IL), the Congo Conflict Minerals Act (S. 891) would give the United States government the means to ensure that the mineral trade stops contributing to mass sexual violence and horrific brutality. And without chaos reigning in the countryside, the Congolese would at last have a chance for peace. Support the Congo Conflict Minerals Act and you will be accomplishing two major goals: you will gain the right to choose conflict-free products, and you will be contributing to securing a better life for those struggling in Congo.

WHAT DOES THE BILL DO?

Similar to its counterpart in the House (the Conflict Minerals Trade Act of 2009), the Congo Conflict Minerals Act (CCMA) demands greater transparency and accountability from jewelers and electronics manufacturers that use conflict minerals in their products. Companies listed on the U.S. stock exchanges would have to disclose the origin of their supplies to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and for those minerals coming from Congo or neighboring countries, companies would need to disclose the precise mine of origin. Furthermore, the bill will help to develop mechanisms to allow the Congolese people to benefit from their mineral wealth rather than suffer at its expense.

Unfortunately, the bill does not include a requirement that companies submit independent audits of their supply chains, as the Enough Project has consistently called for, but this bill remains a valuable first step toward transparency, peace, and stability!

This will only take 5 seconds of your time! Go to http://www.raisehopeforcongo.org/ccma and click here to contact your senator to urge them to support this act!