U.S. House Unanimously Passes Bipartisan Krishnamoorthi Bill to Crack Down on CCP Trade Crimes

WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives today unanimously passed the bipartisan Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes (PAIL) Act, legislation co-led by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) to crack down on trade crimes that undercut American workers and manufacturers. The bill strengthens the Justice Department's ability to investigate and prosecute tariff evasion, illegal transshipment, forced-labor violations, and other trade crimes.

"Today's unanimous 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," said Congressman Krishnamoorthi.

The PAIL Act would:

• Establish a dedicated structure within the Justice Department'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, including parallel criminal and civil enforcement actions; and
• Require the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the Justice Department's efforts to combat trade crimes.

Krishnamoorthi co-led the bipartisan legislation with Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI), Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA), and a broad bipartisan coalition of lawmakers.

"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," said Congresswoman Hinson.

"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," said Chairman Moolenaar.

The PAIL Act is supported by organizations representing American workers and manufacturers, including the United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO, American Iron and Steel Institute, Alliance for American Manufacturing, National Council of Textile Organizations, Steel Manufacturers Association, and Campaign for Uyghurs.