Hinson bill that aims to hold China accountable for trade violations passes House

WASHINGTON — North-central Iowa congresswoman Ashley Hinson’s bill that aims to target China for its violations of US trade laws has passed the House.

Hinson says the “Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act” would strengthen the Department of Justice’s ability to detect and prosecute international trade crimes and ensure that Communist China is held accountable for things like tariff evasion, forced labor and other trade violations that have harmed American industry and workers.   “This is a deliberate attempt to take advantage of American workers and businesses, in turn lowering wages, forcing American manufacturers to close their doors and gutting rural manufacturing towns. The passage of my bill is a meaningful step toward ensuring the CCP is held accountable for their continued illicit trade activity.”

Hinson says the bill would establish a task force within the Department of Justice’s criminal division to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes.  “Communist China does not play by the rules. They do not follow the law, they won’t stick to international norms, we know that for sure. While China enjoys most-favored nation trade status, they are simultaneously violating the trade laws and undermining American workers and our economy. So we have to take steps to end that imbalance, and I think this bill is a good step toward doing that.”

The bill passed the House on a voice vote.