In House Committee·Last action 446 days ago

Bill would strip China's trade status, tie it to human rights

Officially: China Trade Relations Act of 2025

China would immediately lose its normal trade status, raising tariffs on Chinese goods. To get those benefits back, China would need to meet strict human-rights and labor standards, with the President reporting to Congress twice a year. Congress could block any presidential waiver.

Where it stands

Sitting in Ways and Means

No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.

What this bill actually does

China loses its normal trade relations tariff treatment the moment this bill becomes law.
Any future normal trade treatment for China must follow the older Trade Act of 1974 rules that applied before China joined the World Trade Organization.
A prior waiver authority under the Trade Act of 1974 is reactivated and kept in force for 90 days after the bill is enacted.

↓ Why your message matters here

This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.

Where your representatives stand

Enter your ZIP to see how your senators and member of Congress have voted, sponsored, or spoken on this bill.

The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

Human Rights Pressure: Supports argue that the bill will pressure China to improve its human rights practices by tying trade status to compliance with international standards.
Economic Leverage: By requiring regular reviews and reports, the U.S. gains more leverage over trade relations with China, potentially leading to fairer trade practices.
Protects Domestic Jobs: Higher tariffs on Chinese goods could make U.S.-made products more competitive, potentially protecting American jobs and industries.

✕Arguments against

Higher Consumer Prices: Critics argue that removing China's trade status will lead to higher tariffs, increasing the cost of goods for American consumers.
Retaliation Risks: There is a concern that China might retaliate by imposing its own tariffs on U.S. exports, harming American farmers and exporters.
Supply Chain Disruptions: The bill could disrupt supply chains, affecting the availability of essential goods like electronics and pharmaceuticals.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in House

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House Committee

Under House committee consideration

Latest: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (2/21/2025)

FEB 21

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House Floor Vote

Voted on by House

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Passed House

Approved by House

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Senate Review

Sent to Senate for consideration

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Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

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Signed into Law

Signed by the President

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Bill would strip China's trade status, tie it to human rights

Where your representatives stand

What people are saying about this bill

Legislative timeline

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