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 significant goods, services, or technology 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: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals impacted by the sanctions related to human rights abuses in Xinjiang
Estimated Size: 3300000
- The bill targets foreign individuals and entities involved in supporting human rights abuses in Xinjiang.
- Approximately 12 million Uyghurs live in the Xinjiang region, who are the primary victims of these abuses.
- Entities involved may include an indeterminate number of companies and individuals outside the Uyghur population globally involved in trade and services with entities sanctioned for these abuses.
- Global awareness and media coverage have indicated substantial global interest and concern regarding the treatment of Uyghurs.
- The sanctions could affect global supply chains, potentially impacting businesses and consumers beyond direct human rights abusers.
Reasoning
- The policy's primary impact is expected on businesses and consumers connected to supply chains with roots in the Xinjiang region. Secondary impact includes indirect financial effects on those not directly involved but affected by global market shifts.
- The most notable immediate impact might be felt by businesses sourcing from entities tied to forced labor, as they navigate potential supply chain disruptions.
- The direct targeted group within the U.S. includes Uyghur communities who may view the policy favorably for addressing human rights issues.
- Businesses and consumers slightly removed from the direct supply chains might experience minimal immediate impact but could see changes over a longer time as global trade adjusts.
- Cost considerations are crucial as only limited funds are allocated to enforce these sanctions rigorously while tracking compliance globally.
- Public awareness in the U.S. could rally support for the policy among ethically minded consumers, potentially impacting markets subtly over time.
Simulated Interviews
Fashion Retailer (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned about how my supply chain might be affected by these sanctions.
- I might need to find new suppliers, which could increase my costs.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Tech Company Supply Chain Manager (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These sanctions could complicate supply chain logistics.
- Our company strives to maintain ethical standards, and this might push us towards better compliance.
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 |
Consumer (Houston, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support measures that ensure products I buy are ethically sourced.
- This policy aligns with my values but might drive costs up.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Manufacturing Director (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about how international sanctions might indirectly affect raw material prices.
- In the long term, this could push us to innovate or source differently.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Uyghur Advocacy Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill is a step towards acknowledging and possibly reducing human rights abuses.
- I am worried about enforcement efficacy given the budget constraints.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Retired (Seattle, WA)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is likely to influence market volatility.
- I'm concerned but supportive of ethical trading issues being addressed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
International Trade Consultant (Miami, FL)
Age: 26 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will influence compliance regulations in a big way.
- Our firm will need to adjust advisory strategies accordingly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Logistics Coordinator (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about potential delays and need for alternative suppliers.
- Our firm needs to be prepared for any adjustments in our supplier network.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with our brand's commitment to ethical business practices.
- The challenge will be to ensure all parts of our supply chains comply.
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 |
College Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful this will raise awareness and lead to more robust actions toward human rights abuses.
- It’s great to see policy inaction on issues we discuss heavily in our activism circles.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Key Considerations
- Enforcement costs for sanctions are ongoing and require interagency collaboration, primarily affecting the Departments of State and Treasury.
- The bill's intent to curb human rights abuses may have substantial geopolitical implications, reflecting the U.S. commitment to human rights issues globally.
- Supply chain disruptions could affect U.S. businesses dealing with entities involved in the identified region, necessitating strategic realignments.
- Public perception and international relations should be considered, as sanctions impact trade relations.