As President Trump’s administration reaches a milestone of its “First 100 Days” with a renewed emphasis on U.S.-China trade policy, John Moolenaar, Chairman of the House Select Committee on China, is urging Congress to act decisively in shaping America’s economic future. In his recent op-ed for the Washington Examiner, Moolenaar commended President Trump’s actions on imposing tariffs on China, but he emphasized that executive measures alone are insufficient and called for permanent reforms through legislative action.
Chairman Moolenaar praised Trump’s initiative, stating, “President Trump opened the door. Now Congress must finish the job,” and underscored the necessity of bipartisan legislation to ensure enduring economic security for America. The Restoring Trade Fairness Act, introduced by Moolenaar with Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), is put forward as a comprehensive solution to this challenge.
The proposed bill aims to remove China’s Most Favored Nation (MFN) status, create a separate tariff column for Chinese imports, enforce tariffs of up to 100% on critical industries like semiconductors and defense-related technology, and establish a 35% baseline tariff on other Chinese goods. Revenue generated from these tariffs would be reinvested to rebuild America’s industrial base and enhance national security, aligning with recent discussions within the Trump administration and the Wall Street Journal’s reported tiered tariff strategy.
Moolenaar emphasized the urgency of national economic security and the strategic importance of independent supply chains, highlighting that principled congressional action is vital. “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,” he stated.
As Congress considers these measures, Moolenaar’s underlying message remains clear: there is an urgent need for action to redefine America’s trade relationship with China.
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