A Democratic bill with 26 Democratic cosponsors · See all 26 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The TREE Act aims to stop the import and sale of goods linked to deforestation within the United States. Starting in 2029, it will prohibit the import of any "deforestation good" and its sale in interstate commerce. To enforce this, importers must provide detailed due diligence statements regarding their products and supply chains. The law establishes a risk-based system to categorize countries based on their deforestation risks. It also mandates increased inspections for goods coming from higher-risk regions. Finally, the bill includes civil penalties and a system for international financial assistance.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +8
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill prohibits the import of goods linked to deforestation to protect global forest ecosystems.
- Scored +7
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
The bill targets the reduction of deforestation, which is a major driver of carbon emissions.
- Scored +5
Does this send more money or help to other countries?
The bill provides financial assistance to underdeveloped countries to help manage deforestation.
The opposite
- Scored -6
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill imposes significant civil penalties and potential import bans on operators and traders who violate the act.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Reduction in Deforestation: The bill prohibits the import of goods produced from land subject to deforestation on or after December 31, 2020, which targets the conversion of forests to agricultural use or tree plantations (Section 6).
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Financial Assistance for Underdeveloped Countries: Half of the total civil penalties collected will be used to provide assistance to underdeveloped countries specifically for managing deforestation and forest degradation (Section 5).
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Prioritized Aid for High-Risk Areas: The Secretary of State will give preference to countries categorized as a Level I risk when providing financial assistance related to deforestation and forest-related degradation (Section 5).
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Increased Transparency in Supply Chains: Importers are required to provide a due diligence statement that includes descriptions of commodities, quantities, wood names, country of origin, and geolocation coordinates for certain items (Section 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Penalties for Operators and Traders: Violators can be assessed civil penalties of up to 4 percent of their total United States revenue for the preceding fiscal year (Section 3).
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Loss of Federal Benefits: Entities that violate the act may be ineligible to enter into federal contracts or receive federal funding, grants, and concessions for up to 12 months (Section 3).
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Import Bans: In cases of serious or repeat violations, an operator or trader may be prohibited from importing any goods into the United States for a period of up to 12 months (Section 3).
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Confiscation of Goods: Any operator or trader found in violation of the act will have each of their deforestation goods confiscated (Section 3).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill prohibits the import of goods linked to deforestation to protect global forest ecosystems. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill targets the reduction of deforestation, which is a major driver of carbon emissions.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill imposes significant civil penalties and potential import bans on operators and traders who violate the act.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this send more money or help to other countries? — The bill provides financial assistance to underdeveloped countries to help manage deforestation.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires importers to provide detailed, verifiable due diligence statements regarding product origins.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill increases transparency in supply chains through required due diligence statements for commodities.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill allocates half of civil penalty revenue to assist underdeveloped countries with forest management.
- 8/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/24/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/23/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/12/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 21 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Yassamin AnsariDemocrat · Arizona
Julia BrownleyDemocrat · California
Emanuel CleaverDemocrat · Missouri
Kathy CastorDemocrat · Florida
Steve CohenDemocrat · Tennessee
Sean CastenDemocrat · Illinois
Greg CasarDemocrat · Texas
Mark DeSaulnierDemocrat · California
Veronica EscobarDemocrat · Texas
Maxwell FrostDemocrat · Florida
John GaramendiDemocrat · California
Adelita GrijalvaDemocrat · Arizona
Henry JohnsonDemocrat · Georgia
Pramila JayapalDemocrat · Washington
Summer LeeDemocrat · Pennsylvania
James McGovernDemocrat · Massachusetts
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Ilhan OmarDemocrat · Minnesota
Chellie PingreeDemocrat · Maine
Mark PocanDemocrat · Wisconsin
Mike QuigleyDemocrat · Illinois
Deborah RossDemocrat · North Carolina
Jamie RaskinDemocrat · Maryland
Janice SchakowskyDemocrat · Illinois
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan
Nikema WilliamsDemocrat · Georgia