Contact your Senators and Representative about supporting these bills to better protect working youth and end child labor exploitation in the United States and abroad.

Child Labor Free Consumer Information Act of 1999
Bill Number: S. 1549 (Senate)
Lead Sponsor: Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)

The bill will inform and empower consumers in the United States through a voluntary labeling system for apparel and sporting goods made without abusive and exploitative child labor. Companies intending to use a "child labor free" label must notify the Child Labor Commission (established by this legislation) about its intention and include information about the production process and other criteria for the goods that will use the label. The Commission shall review then notify the Secretary of Labor of its review, who then may grant permission to use the label. The bill also establishes that it is a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act to falsely claim a product is made without child labor and will carry a monetary penalty.

Child Labor Deterrence Act of 1999
Bill Number: S. 1551 (Senate)
Lead Sponsor: Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)

The bill would prohibit the importation of manufactured and mined goods into the U.S. which are produced by children under the age of 15. It also requires the development and maintenance of a list of foreign industries that use child labor. Companies violating the prohibition against importing these products would be subject to stiff penalties.

The Young American Workers' Bill of Rights
Bill Number: H.R. 2119 (House of Representatives)
Lead Sponsor: Representative Tom Lantos (D-CA)

The bill sets minimum standards for protecting children in the workforce. It will establish criminal sanctions for willful violations of child labor laws that result in the death of a child or the serious bodily injury to a child. It establishes for the first time limits of 4 hours per day and 20 hours per week for 16- and 17-year-olds while school is in session. It requires certificates of employment for all minors under the age of 18. It provides protection for minors under the age of 14 who are migrant workers or seasonal agriculture workers. There are many other provisions.

Write your U.S. Representative and two Senators. Ask them to support the child labor bills.

Representative (Name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Senator (Name)
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510

If you do not know who your members of Congress are, use this form to find your representative. It only requires your zip code.

To obtain a copy of a bill, search with the bill number (i.e. S. 1549) or title (i.e. C.L. Free Consumer Information Act of 1999).