Utah Valley Times

This week, Congressman Curtis introduced the No Forced Labor on TV Act, a bill aimed at prohibiting the advertising of products made using forced labor from China. The bill comes in response to the shocking revelation that multiple ads during the Super Bowl were from Temu, a company found by the House Select Committee on China to be likely using forced labor in their supply chain, in violation of U.S. import laws.

"I was shocked to see multiple ads during the Super Bowl from Temu, a company that the House Select Committee on China found is likely using forced labor in their supply chain in violation of U.S. import laws," said Rep. Curtis. "The CCP is committing horrible human rights abuses against the Uyghurs and this bill will ensure these companies do not get the ability to undercut American businesses with dangerous labor practices."

The No Forced Labor on TV Act defines the advertising of forced labor products as a deceptive practice and seeks to prohibit their advertisement on TV from China. By doing so, the bill aims to prevent companies like Temu from promoting products made using forced labor and potentially undercutting American businesses.

In addition to the accusations of forced labor, Congressman Curtis has also heard from numerous small businesses who claim to have had their intellectual property stolen and sold on Temu and similar Chinese sites. These allegations further highlight the need to address the issue of forced labor and protect American businesses from unfair competition.

The bill builds upon the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which was passed by Congress in 2021. This act grants the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the authority to block products from the Xinjiang region of China, where the Chinese Communist Party has subjected the Uyghurs to forced labor, forced sterilization, and other human rights abuses categorized as genocide by both the Trump and Biden State Departments.

The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party released a report in June, providing insight into how companies like Temu and Shien have evaded restrictions on the importation of forced labor products. The report highlighted several concerning findings, including Temu's business model of avoiding responsibility for compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and its failure to conduct audits or implement a compliance system to ensure adherence to the law.

For Congressman Curtis, the No Forced Labor on TV Act is a crucial step in combating Chinese propaganda and protecting human rights. By prohibiting the advertisement of forced labor products on TV from China, the bill aims to hold companies accountable for their labor practices and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable workers.

As the bill moves forward, it remains to be seen how it will be received by Congress and what impact it will have on addressing the issue of forced labor in China. Nonetheless, Congressman Curtis is determined to ensure that American businesses are not undermined by companies that engage in dangerous labor practices and human rights abuses.