Bill Overview
Title: Sanctioning Supporters of Slave Labor Act
Description: This bill expands existing sanctions on foreign individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses (e.g., such as torture or forced labor) against members of Muslim minority groups or other persons in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China. Specifically, this bill requires sanctions on foreign individuals and entities that knowingly (1) provide material support to the parties subject to the existing sanctions for human rights abuses in Xinjiang, or (2) engage in a significant transaction relating to such human rights abuses.
Sponsors: Rep. Banks, Jim [R-IN-3]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by sanctions related to slave labor in Xinjiang
Estimated Size: 200000
- The bill targets individuals and entities that are connected to human rights abuses related to forced labor, especially involving Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang, China.
- The population that will be impacted mostly includes Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities involved in forced labor in China.
- Entities and individuals globally who have dealings with these sanctioned entities will also be impacted, as their business relations may halt or become more complicated.
- Consumers and industries worldwide who rely on supply chains connected to Xinjiang may experience changes.
Reasoning
- The Sanctioning Supporters of Slave Labor Act has a target population of those involved in human rights abuses related to forced labor in Xinjiang, China. In the U.S., the direct impact is more likely to be on companies with supply chains connected to affected entities, their employees, and consumers who may experience changes in product availability or prices.
- The budget constraints suggest that the policy will mainly focus on identifying and targeting specific entities and individuals supporting the forced labor practices. The cost includes expenses related to investigations, legal processes, and enforcement.
- Given the global nature of the issue, the U.S. population directly affected is minimal compared to the global target, but includes industries like retail, manufacturing, and tech that may face supply chain disruptions.
- Self-reported wellbeing changes will mostly be seen in industries directly dealing with Xinjiang-linked entities, with possible indirect effects on consumers due to changes in product costs or availability.
Simulated Interviews
Supply Chain Manager (Seattle, WA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am supportive of the sanctions if they lead to better human rights conditions. We are working on identifying alternative suppliers.
- This policy could initially cause disruptions, but it is a necessary step for ethical supply chains.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Import/Export Business Owner (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about how the sanctions may affect my business relationships and supply lines.
- Balancing ethical practices and business needs will be a challenge.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Fashion Designer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support the policy as it aligns with my values of ethical fashion.
- I hope it pushes more brands to consider their impact on human rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Tech Industry Analyst (Salt Lake City, UT)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could shift the tech industry's supply chain dynamics significantly.
- It is an opportunity for innovation and finding new ethical suppliers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Consumer Advocate (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The sanctions are essential for promoting fair labor practices.
- It's important to make consumers aware of how their purchases impact global labor practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Machinery Parts Supplier (Dallas, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not sure how directly this will affect my business, but I'm concerned about the ripple effects.
- It might be necessary to start looking at different supplier certifications.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
HR Manager (Chicago, IL)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We must monitor the policy's effects on our supply chain and workforce closely.
- It's crucial to stay informed and agile amid such changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Entrepreneur (Austin, TX)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with my company's mission to promote ethical products.
- I believe it will eventually lead to a more responsible marketplace.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Economist (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might have mixed short-term economic impacts but is positive for long-term human rights.
- Economically, it poses both challenges and opportunities for reshaping trade relationships.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Marketing Director (Miami, FL)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Adjusting marketing strategies might be necessary if our product lines are affected.
- It's important to communicate transparency and ethics to our consumers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Year 2: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Year 3: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Year 5: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Year 10: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Year 100: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Key Considerations
- The implementation and enforcement of sanctions entail administrative costs, primarily affecting federal agencies involved in international trade and commerce oversight.
- Adjustments in global supply chains could initially disrupt some economic sectors, particularly those connected with Xinjiang.
- Diplomatic relations might also be impacted, with potential repercussions for trade beyond this specific issue.