Palmetto State News

U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) have introduced legislation aimed at enhancing the Department of Justice's (DOJ) capacity to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes. The proposed bill, titled the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act, seeks to address violations of U.S. trade laws by foreign entities, particularly those linked to Chinese companies.

These companies are often accused of engaging in fraudulent activities, evading duties, and bypassing customs checks at ports, actions that benefit the Chinese Communist Party's economy while harming U.S. businesses and workers. The new legislation aims to create a dedicated structure within the DOJ for prosecuting such international trade crimes.

"The Chinese Communist Party and other bad actors exploit U.S. trade laws at the expense of American companies and workers," stated Senator Graham. "I’m glad to work with my colleagues on legislation to increase DOJ’s ability to investigate and prosecute these crimes."

Senator Whitehouse added, "International kleptocrats, smugglers, and shady front companies exploit American trade laws designed to protect workers, companies, and consumers. Our bipartisan legislation will bolster the Department of Justice’s capacity to pursue criminal cases and hold violators accountable for their efforts to undermine American businesses."

Kim Glas, President and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations, expressed support for the bill: "We applaud Senator Graham and Senator Whitehouse for their leadership on introducing the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act... It is imperative that our government have the necessary tools to prosecute a range of trade crimes... This legislation is designed to do just that."

The bill outlines several key measures:

- Establishment of a new task force or similar structure within the DOJ’s Criminal Division specifically focused on investigating and prosecuting trade-related crimes.

- Enhancement of nationwide responses through training, technical assistance for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, expanded investigations and prosecutions, as well as parallel criminal and civil enforcement actions.

- An annual report requirement for the Attorney General to submit to Congress detailing DOJ’s efforts, crime statistics related to trade offenses, and fund utilization.

- Authorization of $20 million for FY 2025 to support these initiatives with appropriate safeguards.

The bill has garnered bipartisan support with cosponsorship from U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). Additionally, a companion bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa-02).