Contractors Must Protect Human Rights of Foreign Workers

Press Release

Congressman James Lankford (R-OK), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and Procurement Reform, issued the following statement after this morning's subcommittee hearing entitled "Are Government Contractors Exploiting Workers Overseas? Examining Enforcement of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act."

Recent reports from the Wartime Contracting Commission and of Inspectors General with the Departments of State and Defense revealed allegations of prime and subcontractors employing foreign workers with poor labor practices including debt bondage, deceptive recruiting practices, sub-standard working and living conditions and worker mistreatment. The subcommittee heard testimony from witnesses including experts on human trafficking and investigative journalists who have looked into the issue. The witnesses gave testimony of the abhorrent practices of these contracting companies and the challenges facing third-country nationals.

"These labor practices violate every human value that we have as a country," said Congressman Lankford. "Our Departments of State and Defense stand up and fight for human rights around the globe but have turned a blind eye to these foreign workers. We believe that all men and women are created equal, and the United States must not stand idly by as these injustices occur on a daily basis under our nose."

Finally, officials from the Departments of State and Defense testified on the U.S. government's efforts to prevent abusive labor practices by government contractors and the flaws in the current system. The subcommittee requested that these agencies submit their recommendations for improvements by February 1, 2012.

"The goal of this subcommittee is to require our agencies to use every tool available to stop human trafficking on our bases and through our embassies," continued Congressman Lankford. "We must identify and hold accountable these contractors who are failing. The evidence is clear, and not a single member of this subcommittee is satisfied with the status quo. I am committed to finding a system that ensures every person employed by the United States government or its contractors is treated fairly and with decency and respect. America must set the standard for human rights -- both at home and abroad."

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