Contact Congress about H.R. 638: China Trade Relations Act of 2023

The bill would end China's normal U.S. trade status, so many Chinese goods could face higher tariffs. China could regain the benefits only by meeting set conditions or receiving a presidential waiver.

Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

China Trade Relations Act of 2023 is a House bill in Congress.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people and businesses that buy or sell goods from China. It also affects U.S. industries that compete with Chinese imports. The President would have to review China's conduct and report to Congress twice each year. Congress would decide whether to block any presidential waiver.

Why this matters: Many Chinese goods could become more expensive in the United States if they face higher tariffs. Businesses might change suppliers, while U.S. industries that compete with Chinese imports could gain protection. The bill would also tie trade benefits to China's record on human rights, labor, and economic spying. The size of the economic effect and China's response are uncertain.

Key provisions in H.R. 638

• The bill would end normal trade relations for Chinese products right away. Any future return to lower tariff rates would use the rules from before China joined the World Trade Organization.
• An older presidential waiver power from the Trade Act of 1974 would become active again. It would remain in effect for 90 days after the bill becomes law.
• China would lose access to covered U.S. government loans and guarantees whenever the President finds that it breaks a listed condition. The President also could not make new commercial agreements with China during that time.
• China could lose benefits for restricting emigration or failing to promote the freedom to leave the country. Other grounds include breaking the 1992 U.S.-China prison labor agreement or International Labour Organization worker standards. The list also covers forced detention camps, threats against Chinese nationals abroad, harm to Tibet's religious and cultural heritage, theft of U.S. intellectual property and other systematic economic spying, and too little progress on the bill's human rights goals.
• The human rights tests call for progress toward the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and an end to torture. China must release and account for peaceful political and religious prisoners, including people tied to independence movements in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and allow access for aid and human rights groups. The tests also cover international broadcasts, organ removal from prisoners without consent, and forced abortion or sterilization.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 638

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 638

What is H.R. 638?

The bill would end China's normal U.S. trade status, so many Chinese goods could face higher tariffs. China could regain the benefits only by meeting set conditions or receiving a presidential waiver.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 638?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 638?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

How does Modern Action help me act on H.R. 638?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.