LaLota Votes to Protect American Workers, Tackle CCP Trade Abuses

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) released the following statement after holding the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) accountable and protecting American workers by voting to pass H.R. 9151, the bipartisan Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act.

“The passage of the bipartisan Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act is a victory for American workers and businesses. For too long, the CCP has exploited our trade laws, undermining hardworking Americans,” said LaLota. “This legislation ensures we have the tools to investigate and prosecute these violations, protecting jobs and industries right here at home. I’ve always fought to put American workers first, and I’m proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to hold foreign cheats accountable.”

To read the full text of the bill, click HERE.

Background:

Companies controlled by the CCP frequently commit crimes violating U.S. trade laws, including trade fraud, duty evasion, and transshipment, which benefit the CCP’s non-market economy and undermine U.S. companies and workers. Countless Americans have lost their jobs due to this criminal activity. Despite the large volume of trade crime-related cases, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has under-resourced its prosecution of these crimes.

The Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act aims to strengthen the Department of Justice’s ability to combat trade-related crimes by establishing a dedicated task force within its Criminal Division to investigate and prosecute these offenses. The legislation enhances nationwide responses by providing training and technical assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, expanding the scope of investigations and prosecutions, and enabling both criminal and civil enforcement actions to proceed concurrently. Additionally, it mandates the Attorney General to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the DOJ’s efforts, including statistics on trade-related crimes and the allocation of funds.

Since coming into office, LaLota has consistently stood up for American workers. In January, LaLota voted to overturn the Biden Administration’s rule to waive Buy American requirements for Electric Vehicle charging stations purchased using American taxpayer dollars. 

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