Washington, Sept. 1 -- The US House of Representatives has passed bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening the Justice Department's ability to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes allegedly committed by Chinese companies and other entities linked to China.

The Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act, led by Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar along with committee members Ashley Hinson, Raja Krishnamoorthi and others, would establish a dedicated task force within the Department of Justice's Criminal Division.

The proposed task force would focus on a range of alleged trade violations, including tariff and duty evasion, violations of import and export restrictions, trade-based...