Contact Congress about H.R. 694: Restoring Trade Fairness Act

Goods from China would lose lower U.S. tariff rates and face much higher import taxes. Some products would face 35% tariffs, while many strategic or sensitive goods would face 100%. Tariff money could help U.S. producers hurt by Chinese retaliation and then fund listed defense purchases.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, 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.

Restoring Trade Fairness Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Latest action on H.R. 694: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects businesses that import goods from China, U.S. producers that compete with Chinese imports, and U.S. exporters that could face Chinese retaliation. Consumers could also feel it if higher import costs raise prices or change product availability. Customs officials, the U.S. International Trade Commission, online sellers, and defense suppliers would also have new work or possible new funding tied to the bill.

Why this matters: This bill matters because it could raise the cost of many goods Americans buy or businesses use. It would also change how the United States handles trade with China by moving away from lower tariff rates and toward broad import penalties. The bill could push companies to find suppliers outside China, but that change may take time. It could also trigger Chinese retaliation against U.S. exports, which is why the bill creates a compensation fund.

Key provisions in H.R. 694

• Products from China would lose normal trade relations treatment. That means they would move off the lower “column 1” tariff schedule.
• The U.S. would create China-only tariff lines in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the list of import taxes. Those lines would generally carry higher duty rates.
• Chinese imports would face new minimum tariffs. Most products would be at least 35%, and a long list of strategic or sensitive goods would be 100%.
• The tariff increases would not hit all at once. They would phase in over five years at 10%, then 25%, then 50%, then 100% of the required increase.
• Fixed-dollar and mixed tariffs would rise with inflation each year. The bill uses the Consumer Price Index and treats 1930 as the starting point.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 694

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. 694

What is H.R. 694?

Goods from China would lose lower U.S. tariff rates and face much higher import taxes. Some products would face 35% tariffs, while many strategic or sensitive goods would face 100%. Tariff money could help U.S. producers hurt by Chinese retaliation and then fund listed defense purchases.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 694?

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. 694?

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

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 694 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.