Metro East Sun

U.S. Representative Mike Bost of Illinois' 12th Congressional District announced the introduction of the Fighting Trade Cheats Act, aimed at providing U.S. manufacturers with tools to hold foreign trade violators accountable. Bost made this announcement on Facebook on February 13.

"For too long, China and other bad actors have gotten away with cheating our trade laws and undercutting American workers," said Bost, according to Facebook. "That's why today I introduced the Fighting Trade Cheats Act to give U.S. manufacturers the tools they need to hold foreign trade violators accountable. This bill will strengthen penalties for customs fraud and stop repeat offenders from flooding our markets with unfairly traded goods. It's time to put American jobs first."

The proposed legislation, known as the Fighting Trade Cheats Act of 2025, would enable U.S. manufacturers to sue foreign producers for customs fraud. According to the bill's text, those found guilty of fraudulent customs violations would be barred from importing goods into the United States for five years following a judgment. Companies initiating legal action could recover compensatory damages equivalent to the injury caused by fraud, along with legal costs and attorney fees. The U.S. government may also request information about civil actions taken against violators, as outlined in House Resolution 2667.

Screenshot of U.S. Rep. Mike Bost's Feb. 13 Facebook post | U.S. Rep. Mike Bost's Facebook page

Bost said that "the Chinese Communist Party has shown blatant disregard for trade agreements while stealing American jobs." He further emphasized that the legislation aims to send a clear message to foreign competitors who violate U.S. trade laws: "harm American workers, and you will face serious consequences."

According to data from the Office of the United States Trade Representative, total U.S. goods traded with China were estimated at $582.4 billion in 2024. During that year, U.S. exports to China amounted to $143.5 billion, reflecting a decrease of $4.2 billion from 2023 figures. Imports from China totaled $438.9 billion, resulting in a goods trade deficit of $295.4 billion—an increase of $16.3 billion over the previous year.

Bost has represented Illinois’ 12th District since January 6, 2015, after serving two decades in the Illinois State House of Representatives as House Republican Caucus Chair. A lifelong resident of Murphysboro and former member of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1979 to 1982, Bost also worked at Bost Trucking Service for 24 years before joining the Murphysboro Fire Department upon completing training at the University of Illinois’ Certified Firefighter II Academy in 1993.