Cedar Rapids Today

The House Judiciary Committee has unanimously passed the bipartisan Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act. This legislation, introduced by Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), aims to address fraud, duty evasion, and transshipment often committed by Chinese companies. The act directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a new structure dedicated to prosecuting international trade crimes.

"Committee passage of my bipartisan Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act is a significant step forward and important victory for American workers. Communist China has blatantly violated U.S. trade laws and ripped off American workers without consequences for too long, gutting rural manufacturing towns and enabling CCP forced labor. This bipartisan bill will ensure we finally crack down on Communist China’s illicit trade practices so that we can reshore American manufacturing. I appreciate the support of Chairman Jordan, Chairman Moolenaar, and Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi as we work to get this bill passed and signed into law," said Congresswoman Ashley Hinson.

Chairman John Moolenaar expressed his gratitude: “I am grateful to Chairman Jordan and Ranking Member Nadler for passing the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act of 2024 out of the Judiciary Committee today on an overwhelming bipartisan basis. This excellent bipartisan bill will protect U.S. companies and workers by strengthening our country’s efforts to prosecute trade crimes, including fraud, duty evasion, and shipping from other countries to avoid our laws."

Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi also commented: “For years, the CCP’s predatory trade policies have violated American trade laws and taken advantage of American companies, workers, and consumers through trade crimes like dumping, duty evasion, and fraud. The bipartisan passage of our bill today through the Judiciary Committee is a critical step toward holding perpetrators criminally liable for these illegal activities."

The act proposes creating a new task force within the DOJ's Criminal Division to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes more effectively. It also includes provisions for training federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in handling such offenses.

Original co-sponsors include House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL), Glenn Ivey (D-LA), Nate Moran (R-TX), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Ben Cline (R-VA), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Kevin Kiley (R-CA), Deborah Ross (D-NC), and Lou Correa (D-CA).