House Passes Hinson Bill to Combat China’s Trade Crimes, Protect American Workers

Washington, D.C. – Tonight, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson's (IA-02) bipartisan bill, the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act, passed the House unanimously.

"China has spent decades finding ways to undermine American workers and our economy. My bill will finally give the DOJ real tools to stop these blatant violations and ensure penalties are meaningfully enforced. Today’s bipartisan passage is a huge win for American workers and domestic manufacturing — let’s make it the law of the land ASAP." — Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

“Today’s overwhelming bipartisan House passage of the PAIL Act is an important victory for American workers and manufacturers who have been forced to compete against companies based in the PRC that violate U.S. trade laws. Tariff evasion, illegal transshipment, forced-labor violations, and other trade crimes hurt American workers and undermine our industries. Our bipartisan bill gives the Justice Department dedicated resources and expertise to investigate and prosecute these crimes and hold repeat offenders accountable. The Senate should pass the PAIL Act without delay and send it to the President’s desk.” — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi

"This bipartisan legislation will arm the Department of Justice with the tools to stop trade crimes often perpetrated by China-backed companies. These crimes devastate American manufacturing, and they are a threat to the prosperity of every single American. Thanks to Congresswoman Hinson for her partnership and leadership on this legislation to fight back and protect American workers, and to our colleagues for their support today. Stopping China’s trade crimes and predatory trade practices is essential to the future of our country." — Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar

Hinson’s bill would:

• Establish a dedicated structure within the DOJ’s Criminal Division to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes.
• Strengthen coordination and training among federal, state, and local law enforcement.
• Support expanded investigations and prosecutions and allow for parallel criminal and civil enforcement actions.
• Require the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on DOJ’s efforts to combat trade crimes.

The legislation is strongly supported by various organizations, including: American Iron and Steel Institute, Coalition for a Prosperous America, American Medical Manufacturers Association, Alliance for American Manufacturing, Forging Industry Association, National Council of Textile Organizations, United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO, North American Die Casting Association, American Shrimp Processors Association, Southern Shrimp Alliance, American Mold Builders Association, Campaign for Uyghurs, America First Policy Institute, Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, Steel Manufacturers Association, Alliance for Trade EnforcementNOW, Committee on Pipe and Tube Imports, United States Oil Country Tubular Goods Manufacturers Association, EverRest US, Cold Finished Steel Bar Institute, American Wire Producers Association, and the Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company.

Hinson introduced the bill alongside Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Rep. Robert Wittman (R-VA-01), Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL-16), Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-CA-03), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN-01), Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA-46), Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN-07), Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA-06), Rep. Don Davis (D-NC-01), Rep. Michael Rulli (R-OH-06), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA-03), Select Committee Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL-28), Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV-03), Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01), Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Rep. Richie Torres (D-NY-15), and Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02).

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