U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) is sponsoring legislation that would establish a task force within the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat China’s trade crimes.
IN addition, the bipartisan, bicameral Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act would provide training and technical assistance to other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, expanding investigations and prosecutions, and allowing for parallel criminal and civil enforcement actions.
Further, the bill would require the Attorney General to submit an annual report to Congress assessing the DOJ’s efforts, statistics on trade-related crimes, and fund utilization.
“For decades, Communist China and its subsidiaries frequently—and purposefully—violated U.S. trade laws through fraud, duty evasion, and transshipment. These illicit practices devastate American industry—undercutting wages, forcing manufacturers to close their doors, and hollowing out rural communities that rely on these jobs,” Hinson said. “My bill will support the Trump Administration’s efforts to stop these blatant violations and ensure penalties are meaningfully enforced. American workers have felt pain for far too long because of Communist China’s malfeasance—now it’s time for Communist China to face consequences.”
The bill is cosponsored by Reps. John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL).
“This bipartisan legislation sends a strong message, in one voice, that the Chinese Communist Party must end its illegal trade practices now. From violating the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act to flooding the American market with dumped goods and illegal vape products, this economic aggression has gone unchecked for too long. This legislation will give the Department of Justice the tools it needs to fight back against the CCP’s predatory trade practices and protect American workers and companies,” Krishnamoorthi said.
The legislation has the backing of several groups including American Iron and Steel Institute, Coalition for a Prosperous America, American Medical Manufacturers Association, Alliance for American Manufacturing, Forging Industry Association, National Council of Textile Organizations, North American Die Casting Association, American Shrimp Processors Association, American Mold Builders Association, Campaign for Uyghurs, and America First Policy Institute.
“Reintroducing the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act is crucial to holding China accountable for its illegal trade practices that harm American businesses and workers. This bipartisan legislation strengthens enforcement and ensures the Department of Justice has the resources necessary to combat China’s unfair tactics. We cannot allow China’s unlawful actions to undermine U.S. competitiveness and our manufacturing sector,” Moolenaar said.
Kevin Dempsey, president and CEO, American Iron and Steel Institute, said China has circumvented U.S. trade laws for too long.
“These actions have harmed American businesses, including the domestic steel industry. By establishing a task force within the Department of Justice, this bill will help ensure that criminal activities to evade U.S. customs and trade laws are appropriately addressed by federal prosecutors,” Dempsey said.