Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Ashley Hinson's bipartisan Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act. The legislation aims to enhance the Department of Justice's capacity to detect and prosecute international trade crimes, specifically targeting tariff evasion, transshipment, forced labor, and other violations attributed to companies in China.
In her floor speech, Congresswoman Hinson emphasized the impact of these practices on American industry and workers. "This bill puts American industry, manufacturing, and workers first," she stated. She pointed out that companies under China's Communist Party have long violated U.S. trade laws through practices like duty evasion and market flooding.
Hinson highlighted a case involving Qingdao Sunsong, a Chinese auto manufacturer accused of using transshipment to avoid U.S. tariffs, resulting in significant job losses at an Illinois company. "Sunsong is far from the only Chinese company taking action to exploit our trade system," she noted.
The congresswoman criticized the Department of Justice for being inadequately equipped to handle such offenses effectively. "By strengthening the Trump’s DOJ’s ability to detect and prosecute international trade crimes," she said, "my bipartisan bill will ensure that Communist China and other perpetrators are criminally liable for illicit activity."
The legislation has gained support from key figures including China Select Committee Chairman Moolenaar and Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi. It proposes establishing a new task force within the DOJ's Criminal Division dedicated to investigating trade-related crimes. Additionally, it seeks to enhance nationwide responses by providing training and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies.
The act also mandates an annual report from the Attorney General to Congress detailing efforts against trade-related crimes. With robust backing in the House, Hinson's bill now moves forward for consideration in the Senate.
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