What does Preamble of SHIELD Act do?

This bill aims to impose sanctions on foreign individuals who utilize forced labor or child labor within the cobalt mining industry of foreign countries. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 7, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of SHIELD Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Sanctioning Harmful Illicit Exploitation of Labor and Dependents Act, also known as the SHIELD Act.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS. of SHIELD Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding forced labor and child labor. Congress views forced labor and illegal exploitation of child labor as a human rights abuse. Reports indicate widespread forced labor and child labor in cobalt mining sectors in foreign countries. The section suggests the United States should impose economic costs on foreign entities using such labor practices in cobalt mining.

What does SANCTIONS. of SHIELD Act do?

This section authorizes the President to impose sanctions on foreign persons employing forced labor or child labor in the cobalt mining sector. Sanctions include asset blocking, making individuals inadmissible to the United States, and revoking existing visas. Exceptions exist for complying with international obligations and providing humanitarian assistance. The President has authority to implement these sanctions using existing powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Penalties for violating regulations related to these sanctions are consistent with those outlined in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The President may waive sanctions if deemed important to U.S. national security interests. The authority to impose sanctions under this section sunsets seven years after the Act's enactment.

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SHIELD Act

Last updated: 5/7/2026 · Introduced: 5/7/2026

Author: Madeleine Dean (D-PA)

TL;DR (AI)

The SHIELD Act authorizes the President to impose sanctions, including asset blocking and visa restrictions, on foreign individuals and entities using forced labor or child labor in cobalt mining.
The bill expresses Congress's view that forced labor and child labor in cobalt mining are human rights abuses and that economic costs should be imposed on those responsible.
Sanctions authorized by this Act will sunset seven years after enactment, and the President retains the authority to waive sanctions based on U.S. national security interests.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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