The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act, co-led by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, to combat trade crimes.
WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening federal investigations and prosecutions of trade crimes. The Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act, commonly referred to as the PAIL Act, was co-led by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi.
This legislation seeks to establish a dedicated structure within the Justice Department’s Criminal Division to address trade-related offenses, including tariff evasion and violations involving forced labor.
Supporters of the PAIL Act emphasize its focus on practices associated with companies based in China that allegedly circumvent U.S. trade laws, placing American manufacturers and workers at a competitive disadvantage.
“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,” Krishnamoorthi stated.
He further noted, “Tariff evasion, illegal transshipment, forced-labor violations, and other trade crimes hurt American workers and undermine our industries.”
Krishnamoorthi called for swift action from the Senate, urging them to pass the PAIL Act without delay and send it to the President’s desk. “Our bipartisan bill gives the Justice Department dedicated resources and expertise to investigate and prosecute these crimes and hold repeat offenders accountable,” he added.
The PAIL Act aims to enhance coordination and training among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies addressing international trade violations. It also supports expanded investigations and prosecutions, including cases where the government pursues parallel criminal and civil enforcement actions.
Additionally, the legislation mandates that the U.S. Attorney General submit an annual report to Congress detailing the Justice Department’s efforts against trade crimes.
Krishnamoorthi co-led the bill alongside Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Iowa, House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar of Michigan, and Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu of California. The measure has garnered support from a broader bipartisan coalition of lawmakers.
Hinson remarked, “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.”
Moolenaar added that the legislation would equip federal prosecutors with additional tools to confront trade crimes allegedly committed by companies backed by China. “This bipartisan legislation will arm the Department of Justice with the tools to stop trade crimes often perpetrated by China-backed companies,” he said.
He emphasized the detrimental impact of these crimes, stating, “These crimes devastate American manufacturing, and they are a threat to the prosperity of every single American.”
The PAIL Act has received support from various organizations representing U.S. workers and manufacturers, including the United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO, American Iron and Steel Institute, Alliance for American Manufacturing, National Council of Textile Organizations, and the Steel Manufacturers Association. The Campaign for Uyghurs has also endorsed the measure.
As the legislation moves forward, it must clear the Senate before being presented to the President for his signature, according to IANS.