Congressman John Moolenaar Chairman of the Select Committee on the CCP | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman John Moolenaar Chairman of the Select Committee on the CCP | Official U.S. House headshot
The House of Representatives has passed the Protecting American Industry from International Trade Crimes Act, a legislative measure introduced by Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA) with support from Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL). The bill aims to address violations of U.S. trade laws by companies based in the People's Republic of China.
These companies have been accused of engaging in activities such as fraud, duty evasion, and transshipment, which are seen as benefiting China's non-market economy at the expense of U.S. businesses and workers. The Department of Justice has been criticized for not adequately prosecuting these crimes due to limited resources.
The new legislation mandates the DOJ to create a dedicated structure for prosecuting international trade crimes. This initiative is expected to improve detection, investigation, and prosecution efforts related to trade fraud and other offenses.
Chairman Moolenaar expressed his support for the bill on the House floor: "I rise today in support of Congresswoman Hinson’s bill, the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act." He highlighted that Chinese companies frequently violate U.S. trade laws, undermining American competitiveness.
He further mentioned feedback received during a roundtable in Wisconsin last August where Americans shared their experiences with law-breaking Chinese companies. According to Moolenaar, civil penalties have not been effective deterrents against such actions sponsored by the CCP.
Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi and Congresswoman Hinson had previously recommended stronger criminal enforcement measures as a deterrent against economic coercion by China. "Today’s legislation takes that recommendation and turns it into action," Moolenaar stated.
Moolenaar also emphasized collaboration with industry stakeholders, the DOJ, and House committees in crafting this legislation. He assured continued efforts with colleagues on funding prosecutors tasked with enforcing trade laws: "In the face of China’s economic onslaught against our country, we must ensure these prosecutors have the resources they need."
The act outlines several measures including establishing a task force within DOJ's Criminal Division for investigating trade-related crimes and providing training to law enforcement agencies nationwide. It also requires an annual report from the Attorney General detailing efforts and statistics related to these crimes.
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