H.R. 1869 — Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act of 2026

This section defines “trade-related crimes” as violations of law involving criminal activities to evade duties, tariffs, import and export fees or restrictions under the Tariff Act of 1930, the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the Trade Act of 1974, the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, or other laws governing U.S. imports and exports, trade-based money laundering, and smuggling.

This section establishes a task force or similar structure within the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes, coordinated by a supervisory criminal trial attorney and required to be operational within 120 days after appropriations are made available. It directs the Attorney General to create new positions for criminal trial attorneys and support personnel, assign experienced prosecutors, and promote coordination with law enforcement, industry representatives, and the public.

This section directs the Attorney General to increase the Criminal Division’s capacity to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes, including health, safety, financial, and economic violations under 18 listed statutes (excluding national security laws). It requires participation in training and technical assistance with Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, and other agencies; development of multi-jurisdictional partnerships with federal agencies and trading partners; involvement in nationally coordinated investigations when resources allow; and regular consultation among enforcement components. It clarifies that these efforts do not preclude additional criminal prosecutions or civil actions.

This section requires the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to submit an annual report to the House Judiciary, Ways and Means, and Financial Services Committees and the Senate Judiciary and Finance Committees on the Department of Justice’s investigation and enforcement of trade-related crimes. The first report is due within one year of enactment, with subsequent reports due by February 1 each year, and must include statistics on publicly charged crimes and indictments, a summary of prior-period fund use for staff and operating expenses, and an estimate of any additional funding needed.