U.S. Legislation on Conflict Diamonds Gains Momentum

On December 31, 2002 State Department deputy spokesman Philip t. Reecker issued a statement declaring the Bush Administration?s support for legislation to curb the trade of so-called ?conflict? diamonds. Conflict diamonds, also known as ?blood? diamonds, have been one of the mains sources of income for rebel groups in West Africa for many years. More recently, the U.S. has feared that the proceeds of illegal diamond sales have been used to fund terrorist activities, particularly by Al Qaeda. According to the State Department, the Bush Administration will seek the support of Congress on the issue in the coming year. The likelihood of legislation increased significantly when House Ways and Means the State Department statement. In a press release dated January 6, 2003, Thomas signaled that he would support legislation on conflict diamonds: ?I intend to work with the Administration and the diamond industry on a bipartisan basis to enact legislation as soon as possible that meets the Kimberley Process goals, is administrable, and complies with our World Trade Organization obligations.? If history is any indication, there is broad support for legislation on conflict diamonds on Captiol Hill. On November 28, 2001, the House of Representatives passed the Clean Diamond Trade Act (H.R. 2722) by the margin of 408-6. Due to time constraints the bill never came to a vote in the Senate. The success of efforts to curb the trade in ?conflict? diamonds will depend o the extent to which there is broad multilateral support and enforcement mechanisms.