As the Trump Administration reaches its first 100 days, the focus has turned to U.S.-China trade policy. Chairman John Moolenaar, leading the House Select Committee on China, has called for Congress to take legislative measures to secure the economic future of the United States.
In a recent Washington Examiner op-ed, Moolenaar commended President Trump for his strong stance against China through the implementation of tariffs. However, he emphasized that executive action alone will not bring about lasting change. He urged Congress to ensure permanent reforms by terminating China's Most Favored Nation (MFN) status and embedding a strategic tariff framework into law.
"President Trump opened the door. Now Congress must finish the job," Moolenaar stated. "We need bipartisan legislation that puts America first—not just today, but for generations to come."
The Restoring Trade Fairness Act, which Moolenaar co-introduced with Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), is highlighted as a key step forward. The proposed legislation includes measures such as ending China’s MFN status, creating a separate tariff column for Chinese imports, imposing tariffs of up to 100% on crucial industries like semiconductors and defense technology, establishing a 35% baseline tariff on other Chinese goods, and reinvesting tariff revenue into strengthening the U.S. industrial base and national security.
"As economic security, China policy, and supply chain independence become pressing issues once again, Moolenaar argues that principled congressional action is urgently needed."
Moolenaar remarked, "China’s weaponization of trade is no longer hypothetical—it’s an imminent threat to America’s industrial base, national defense, and way of life. Free trade must be earned by free nations that play by the rules, not given away to authoritarian regimes that exploit our openness."
The comprehensive strategy aims to address these concerns by reducing global reliance on China and reinforcing alliances with countries that respect international trade rules.
Chairman Moolenaar concludes his message with urgency, calling for action to end China's trade privileges and to enforce trade policies that ensure free trade is earned by nations adhering to the rules.
