Contact Congress about H.R. 6515: FOREST Act of 2023
Some goods could not enter the United States if they came from land cleared illegally after the bill becomes law. Importers would have to show where covered goods came from and how they checked for illegal forest loss.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
FOREST Act of 2023 is a House bill in Congress.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects U.S. importers, foreign producers, and companies that sell goods made with palm oil, soybeans, cocoa, cattle, rubber, or later-added products. They may need better records that show where goods came from and whether the land was cleared legally. U.S. Customs and other federal agencies would take on new review, audit, reporting, and enforcement work. Countries with weak controls on illegal forest clearing could face more scrutiny, but they could also receive support to improve enforcement and tracking.
Why this matters: Illegal forest clearing can feed global supply chains, and this bill would use the U.S. border to push back. It could change how goods like beef, leather, cocoa, palm oil, and rubber reach U.S. buyers. Companies may need stronger tracking systems to prove their goods are not tied to illegal clearing. The bill could also affect prices, sourcing choices, and trade relations, but those effects would depend on how the rule is carried out.
Key provisions in H.R. 6515
- The bill would ban imports made from listed goods if they came from land illegally cleared of forest after the bill becomes law.
- Importers would have to file electronic forms for covered goods. The forms must show they used reasonable care, meaning real steps to check and reduce deforestation risk. Goods from higher-risk countries would need more data.
- The U.S. Trade Representative would publish and update the covered lists at least once a year. The first listed commodities are palm oil, soybeans, cocoa, cattle, and rubber, along with related products.
- The U.S. would name countries that do not give strong and effective protection against illegal deforestation. Each named country would need an action plan with benchmarks and goals for tracing supply chains.
- Customs and Border Protection would create a trusted trader program. Importers with clear, credible tracking and due diligence systems could get simpler rules, but they would still face random audits.
How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 6515
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Questions people ask about H.R. 6515
- What is H.R. 6515?
- Some goods could not enter the United States if they came from land cleared illegally after the bill becomes law. Importers would have to show where covered goods came from and how they checked for illegal forest loss.
- How do I support or oppose H.R. 6515?
- Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.
- Who should I contact about H.R. 6515?
- Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.
- Can Modern Action explain H.R. 6515 before I act?
- Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.
