Tom Harkin: “I rise to introduce the Child Labor Free Consumer Information Act of 1996, legislation to establish a voluntary labeling…”

“I rise to introduce the Child Labor Free Consumer Information Act of 1996, legislation to establish a voluntary labeling system to help inform American consumers whether wearing apparel or sporting goods they see on the store shelves are made without the use of abusive and exploitative child labor. Although it is late in the session, I believe we should begin a substantive dialog about ending child labor right now. That is why I am introducing this legislation today. And I intend on reintroducing this measure at the beginning of the next Congress. A Worldwide Scourge When I speak about child labor, I am not talking about children helping out on the family farm or running errands after school. I am speaking about children who are forced to work in hazardous and dangerous conditions--children denied the classroom and driven into the workrooms. Child labor is a scourge around the world. But we can't dismiss the problem simply because it may occur an ocean away. We cannot ease our conscience by declaring it a 'them' problem, because it is not. It is an 'us' problem. And all of us can do something to stop it.”