Apple continues to lobby Congress on legislation to stop slavery in China

The Chinese government has engaged in a policy of genocide against the minority Uyghur population which populates China's northwest. Many Uyghurs have been subjected to forced labour, among other crimes against humanity, with companies such as Apple reportedly profiting from the Chinese government's genocidal policies.

While Apple has previously been caught lobbying Congress to soften the language of the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act, it is unclear what the lobbyists Apple is currently paying are advocating for in regard to the bill. Despite having lobbied to soften the language of the bill, Apple has nevertheless continued to deny that it profits from Uyghur forced labour.

The Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act was introduced last year in an effort to prevent American companies from profiting from China's ongoing genocide, which ultimately passed 406-3 in Congress, garnering broad bipartisan support. The bill has not been ratified by the Senate.

Apple paid Fierce Government Relations and Invariant LLC $90,000 each for lobbying services in regard to the bill. While Fierce tends to lobby Republican lawmakers, Invariant generally lobbies Democrats.

Apple, however, is not alone in pouring money into lobbying efforts in regard tot he bill. American organizations such as the National Retail Federation, Consumer Technology Association, Retail Industry Leaders Association, and the American Apparel & Footwear Association have all spent money lobbying Congress in regard to the bill.

Chinese companies including VF Corporation and JinkoSolar have also spent $200,000 each for lobbying services which included lobbying on the bill. Both companies have faced allegations of profiting from the forced labour of Uyghurs.