Cedar Rapids Today

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) recently introduced the bipartisan Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act. The bill's original co-sponsors include Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), as well as Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL), Nate Moran (R-TX), Ben Cline (R-VA), Kevin Kiley (R-CA), Glenn Ivey (D-LA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Deborah Ross (D-NC), and Lou Correa (D-CA).

The legislation has garnered support from various organizations, including the Alliance for American Manufacturing, American Shrimp Processors Association, American Iron and Steel Institute, America First Policy Institute, Campaign for Uyghurs, Coalition for a Prosperous America, Forging Industry Association, National Council of Textile Organizations, and Steel Manufacturers Association.

"America's shrimp producers strongly support the creation of a permanent structure in the Department of Justice to focus on trade crimes. Our industry has been hammered by unfair imports from China and other countries," said Trey Pearson, President of the American Shrimp Processors Association.

“Companies based in the People’s Republic of China have consistently violated U.S. trade laws,” stated America First Policy Institute. “Refusing to abide by international law enables the PRC’s non-market economy.”

"The Alliance for American Manufacturing commends the introduction of this bipartisan act," said Scott Paul, President of AAM. "Customs fraud and other trade crimes are pernicious in their reach."

“AISI applauds Representatives Krishnamoorthi and Hinson,” commented the American Iron and Steel Institute. “This legislation will help ensure that criminal activities to evade U.S. customs and trade laws are appropriately addressed.”

“The Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act establishes a new framework within the Department of Justice,” noted Campaign for Uyghurs. “No one should turn a blind eye to ongoing Uyghur genocide.”

“CPA member companies are forced to compete with foreign entities committing trade fraud,” remarked Michael Stumo, CEO of Coalition for a Prosperous America.

"The Forging Industry Association strongly supports this act," stated FIA in Independence, Ohio.

“We commend the House Judiciary Committee for highlighting the urgent need to establish a formal structure within DOJ’s Criminal Division dedicated to prosecuting trade fraud,” said Kim Glas, President and CEO of National Council of Textile Organizations.

“China remains the number one threat to domestic steel production,” emphasized Philip K. Bell, President of Steel Manufacturers Association.