Congressman John Moolenaar Chairman of the Select Committee on the CCP | Official Website
Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI), Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA), and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced the bipartisan Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act today. Original co-sponsors include House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), and 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).
The bill addresses crimes committed by companies based in the People’s Republic of China, including fraud, duty evasion, and transshipment. These activities undermine U.S. companies and workers, resulting in job losses. The U.S. Department of Justice has been under-resourced in prosecuting these crimes.
The legislation directs the DOJ to establish a new structure dedicated to prosecuting international trade crimes, enhancing capabilities for detecting, investigating, and prosecuting trade-related offenses.
“Not a week goes by without the Committee learning of yet another American company harmed by Chinese companies shipping their goods through other countries to illegally evade tariffs,” said Chairman John Moolenaar. “This legislation adds teeth to the tariffs and punishes companies for breaking the law.”
"For decades, Communist China has blatantly violated U.S. trade laws," stated Congresswoman Ashley Hinson. "My bipartisan legislation will ensure we finally crack down on Communist China's illicit trade practices."
Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi emphasized that "the Chinese Communist Party’s predatory trade policies have violated American trade laws." He added that the new unit at the DOJ would enforce U.S. trade laws more effectively.
The Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act proposes:
1. Establishing a task force within the DOJ’s Criminal Division.
2. Enhancing responses to trade-related offenses with training and technical assistance.
3. Requiring an annual report from the Attorney General on efforts against trade-related crimes.
4. Authorizing $20 million for FY 2025 to support these efforts.
Adam Savit from America First Policy Institute expressed support: “AFPI supports efforts to prosecute PRC violations... We must hold the CCP accountable for its flagrant economic and human rights crimes.”
Campaign for Uyghurs also endorsed the bill: “This legislation goes a step further in holding violators accountable,” emphasizing transparency in actions taken against forced labor practices.
Michael Stumo of Coalition for a Prosperous America highlighted recent investigations into Chinese subsidiaries: “This underscores the urgent need for enhanced authority... protecting American manufacturers.”
Scott Paul from Alliance for American Manufacturing commended the bill's introduction: “Customs fraud harms domestic industries... This legislation is both sorely needed and long overdue.”
Kevin Dempsey of American Iron and Steel Institute praised Representatives Krishnamoorthi and Hinson's work: “Full enforcement of customs laws is critical to our industry.”
Kim Glas from National Council of Textile Organizations noted significant impacts on their industry due to rampant trade crime: “This legislation puts real teeth into combating trade crimes.”
Trey Pearson of American Shrimp Processors Association voiced strong support: "Our industry has been hammered by unfair imports... Our government needs tools to fully prosecute criminals."
The United Steelworkers & AFL-CIO have also endorsed this act.
