Cedar Rapids Today

Yesterday, a press conference was held by Congresswoman Ashley Hinson alongside Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the Select Committee on China. The event took place in Washington, D.C., with participation from the Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) and industry stakeholders. The focus was on discussing the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act.

Congresswoman Hinson addressed the attendees, emphasizing the bipartisan nature of the bill aimed at holding China accountable for its trade practices. "The Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act is a bipartisan, bicameral bill to finally hold China accountable for decades of evading U.S. trade laws through transshipment, duty evasion, and forced labor," she stated.

Hinson highlighted specific instances of alleged misconduct by Chinese companies. She cited an example involving Qingdao Sunsong, a Chinese auto manufacturer accused of using transshipment to evade U.S. tariffs, which reportedly led to layoffs at an Illinois company.

"This is not an isolated event, but part of a broader strategy by the CCP to dominate global markets on the backs of American workers," she remarked.

She also criticized the Department of Justice's current capabilities in handling such trade crimes: "Despite the sheer volume of trade crime-related cases, the Department of Justice remains inadequately equipped to detect, investigate, and prosecute such offenses effectively."

Hinson praised former President Trump's actions against Chinese trade violations: "I applaud President Trump’s leadership and immediate actions to combat Chinese trade violations." She stressed that her bill would support these efforts and ensure enforcement against violations.

In closing remarks, Hinson expressed optimism about reshoring manufacturing jobs: "This is a bipartisan opportunity to support American industry, reshore domestic manufacturing, and champion American workers – and I hope we can deliver together."

The full text of the bill is available for public access.