From 1998 through 2002...the Democratic Republic of Congo...endured a devastating civil war. The cease-fire...was purely nominal. Violence...remains a constant feature of life...With over five million dead, the conflict has become the most lethal struggle since World War II...The dimensions of this conflict are international. Some of Congo's rebel groups...rely on the global sale of our nation's minerals...[T]he trade in these and other...conflict minerals...has played a massive role in sustaining these criminal networks...[A] report...by Global Witness and Amnesty International makes clear that much remains to be done to ensure that businesses don't profit from mineral sales that fund violence...Some corporations have made commendable efforts...But others have done the opposite, hiding behind industry groups...The results reveal that most companies are unaware of whether or not their products contain [conflict] minerals...Businesses that don't comply with th[e]...legislation must receive adequate punishment...A conflict-free minerals industry would greatly benefit the people of Congo...[refers to: Apple, HP, Intel]