Political Quotes

“today I plan on introducing the Sweatshop Product Ban Act, which I have dubbed the ``No Sweatshops Where GI's Shop Act.'' Through defense commissary and exchange stores, the Department of Defense exercises a purchasing power of well over $9 billion. However, there is nothing in law that prohibits one of the largest retailers in the Nation from purchasing goods manufactured under inhumane conditions. This bill would specifically prevent the commissary and exchange stores from inadvertently supporting child labor, prison labor, or goods produced under human rights violations. It would also come closer to insuring that our GI's around the world do not sport any products produced by children who work under deplorable conditions, 14 hours a day. Congress can encourage private industry to police themselves by allowing companies to have access to these minimum labor standards. Corporations such as J.C. Penny and Levi Strauss have already agreed to monitor their contractors as publication of potential violations by these retailers pose a threat to sales. My bill would take it a step further: As consumers, the Defense commissary and exchange stores can take the lead and influence corporations to adopt better labor practices through the power of their purse. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the Sweatshop Product Ban Act.”