SHIELD Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 7, 2026
Bottom line
The SHIELD Act mandates sanctions against foreign entities involved in forced or child labor in cobalt mining, aiming to combat human rights abuses in critical mineral supply chains.
What it actually does
This bill, known as the SHIELD Act, mandates the President to impose sanctions on any foreign person found to be employing forced labor or child labor in the cobalt mining sector of a foreign country. The sanctions include blocking assets within U.S. jurisdiction and rendering individuals inadmissible to the United States, with provisions for humanitarian and international obligation exceptions, and a presidential waiver for national security interests.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is a crucial step to combat egregious human rights abuses, specifically forced labor and child labor, in the dangerous cobalt mining sector. They contend that imposing economic costs on perpetrators will deter these practices, align U.S. foreign policy with its values, and promote ethical supply chains for critical minerals essential to modern technologies.
Opponents contend
Opponents might express concerns that such sanctions could disrupt global cobalt supply chains, potentially increasing costs for industries reliant on cobalt (like electric vehicle and electronics manufacturers) and ultimately for consumers. They may also argue about the practical challenges of accurate identification and enforcement, and the potential for unintended negative economic impacts on legitimate businesses or local populations in cobalt-producing regions.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and thorough review by any interested reader.
Section 1
Short Title
This section formally names the Act as the 'Sanctioning Harmful Illicit Exploitation of Labor and Dependents Act' or the 'SHIELD Act'. This provides a concise and memorable reference for the legislation.
Supporters argue
A clear and impactful short title helps communicate the bill's purpose and facilitates public and legislative discourse.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the naming of a bill.
Tradeoffs
None apparent for this provision.
Section 2
Sense of Congress on Forced and Child Labor in Cobalt Mining
This section declares Congress's belief that forced and child labor in cobalt mining constitutes a grievous human rights abuse. It also states that reports from various sources confirm widespread use of such labor and that the U.S. should impose economic costs on foreign entities involved in these practices.
Section 3(a) and (b)
Mandatory Sanctions on Foreign Persons Employing Forced or Child Labor
This core provision mandates the President to impose sanctions on any foreign person (individual or entity) found to be using forced labor or child labor in the cobalt mining sector of a foreign country. The sanctions include blocking all property and interests in property of the foreign person that are within U.S. jurisdiction, and making any alien subject to these sanctions inadmissible to the United States, revoking their visas.
Section 3(c)
Exceptions for International Obligations and Humanitarian Assistance
This section carves out specific exceptions to the sanctions. Sanctions related to alien inadmissibility will not apply if admitting an alien is necessary to comply with international obligations, such as the UN Headquarters Agreement. Additionally, sanctions cannot be imposed on transactions for the sale of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, or medical devices, or for the provision or facilitation of humanitarian assistance.
Section 3(e) and (f)
Presidential Waiver and Sunset Clause
This section grants the President the authority to waive the application of sanctions if they certify to Congress that such a waiver is important to the national security interests of the United States. This waiver requires a 15-day notification to appropriate congressional committees. Additionally, the authority to impose sanctions under this Act will terminate seven years after its enactment.