Three more representatives are joining the fight to end U.S. involvement in the conflict minerals trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Worth over $183 million annually, the conflict minerals trade is fueling the world’s deadliest conflict since World War II—a conflict that has already taken over 5.4 million lives in eastern Congo.
Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA), Tom Perriello (D-VA), and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) signed on as co-sponsors this week to the Conflict Minerals Trade Act of 2009, or H.R. 4128, a House bill that would set up a system of audits and regulations to help stop companies from importing conflict minerals into the U.S.
If your Representative has not signed on to the bill (click here to see who has), join Enough the week of President’s Day (February 15-19) to lobby your Congress member on the importance of this bill. These advocacy days coincide with Congress’s recess, giving you and other activists the opportunity to lobby your Congress members at home. Visit the RAISE Hope for Congo campaign to learn how you can schedule a meeting with your representative and for other ways you can support the bill.
Photo: Tin ore (Grassroots Reconciliation Group/Sasha Lezhnev)