Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro Cosponsors Congo Bill

Today, Congresswoman Rose DeLauro (D-CT) signed onto H.R. 4128, the Conflict Minerals Trade Act. DeLauro becomes the 10th cosponsor of this measure which seeks to ensure that the mineral trade in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo does not continue to fuel the ongoing violence in the war-torn nation. Introduced by Congressmen Jim McDermott (D-WA) and Frank Wolf (R-VA), this bill would put in place a system of audits and regulations that would help stop companies from importing conflict minerals into the United States.

The conflict in eastern Congo is being fueled by a multi-million dollar trade in minerals that are essential components in our electronic products. Over five million people have died as a result of the violence, and armed groups often use rape as a tactic to terrorize the civilian population. The armed groups perpetuating the violence generate an estimated $183 million each year through the trade in four main minerals: tin, tantalum, and tungsten(the 3Ts) and gold.

Our most recent paper about conflict minerals – Digging In – was released this week and contains the latest information about the trade. Multimedia resources and links to other related publications are available on our conflict minerals special page.

Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121, ask for your member, and urge them to support this important legislation.

• Eastern Congo
• Conflict Minerals