01-HR0460 on Feb 6, 2001

OFFICIAL CONGRESSIONAL SUMMARY: Transparency and Responsibility for US Trade Health Act (TRUTH Act): Requires a US national that employs individuals in a foreign country, either directly or through subsidiaries, to take necessary steps to provide transparency and public disclosure in all its operations.

EXCERPTS OF BILL:

Be it enacted:
• A national of the US that employs one or more individuals in a foreign country, either directly or through subsidiaries or licensees (including any security forces of the national), shall take the necessary steps to provide transparency and disclosure in all its operations, including the full public disclosure of the following:
• Information relating to location, address, and corporate name of all facilities abroad
• Applicable financial agreements and investments of partners and subcontractors

Worker rights practices and labor standards, including any complaints from employees and violations of local labor laws.

Age, gender, and number of employees in each facility.

Wages paid to employees, including policies on overtime pay.

Working conditions based on current OSHA standards for similar operations.

Environmental performance, including toxic release inventory.

The human rights policy, any complaints received from local communities, and any human rights lawsuits filed.

LEGISLATIVE OUTCOME:Referred to House Committee on International Relations; never came to a vote.