Waterloo Times

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson from Iowa's 2nd District recently appeared on The Signal Sitdown podcast with Bradley Devlin of the Daily Signal. During the discussion, they addressed several topics including media bias related to President Biden’s mental health, legislative efforts such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and countering China's illicit activities.

Hinson highlighted concerns over secret Chinese police stations in the United States. She referenced a case involving Chen Jinping, who pleaded guilty to operating such a station for China’s Ministry of Public Security in Manhattan's Chinatown. According to Justice Department officials, these outposts might be more widespread across the country.

The congresswoman also discussed broader issues with Chinese operatives infiltrating American institutions and stealing intellectual property. "There was actually a Chinese spy ring busted stealing seeds out of a cornfield in Dysart, Iowa," Hinson noted. This highlights ongoing concerns about reverse engineering and unfair trade practices by China.

Hinson pointed out tactics like transnational shipment used by China to circumvent tariffs. “They’re economically cheating and getting a better deal,” she said, emphasizing how this creates an uneven playing field for American producers.

To address these issues, Hinson has introduced the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act alongside Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi. The bill aims to bolster federal law enforcement's ability to combat unfair trade practices.

Hinson expressed that this economic challenge has significant financial implications: “We think this cost is hundreds of billions of dollars every year on the low end.” She stressed that these practices have been ongoing for decades leading to significant control by China over certain industries.