ICAR Submits Letter to Senate Committee on Finance on Kevin McAleenan’s Confirmation Hearing

Washington, D.C. (Oct. 24, 2017) - ICAR submitted a letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance calling on committee members to clarify Kevin McAleenan's position and strategy for enforcing the Tariff Act's forced labor provision during his confirmation hearing to serve as the Commissioner of United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Section 307 of the Tariff Act prohibits importation of products produced, in whole or in part, by forced labor or convict labor. This provision not only encourages companies to take proactive measures to ensure that imported goods are not produced by forced labor, but it also ensures that American workers are not forced to unfairly compete with foreign workers who are deprived of basic labor and human rights.

The next CBP Commissioner will play a critical role in developing strategies to ensure the Tariff Act's forced labor provision is effectively enforced. Robust enforcement will protect both American workers and their counterparts overseas. As such, ICAR urges members of the Senate Committee on Finance to clarify Mr. McAleenan's views on and commitments to enforcing the forced labor provision of the Tariff Act.

The full letter can be downloaded here.