[Kadin]

The US has never allowed unfettered foreign competition in its domestic market, and neither do most other nations (including, very notably, China).

The US has always done what every other nation seeks to do, which is to try to obtain favorable trade terms for exports while restricting imports that would harm domestic business.

This particular bill is idiotic, likely because it was spawned by an idiot. But the general concept of protecting domestic enterprises from foreign competition who are not subject to the same rules has always been part of trade policy.

[guerrilla]

Exactly, it's basically a law of nature, but significant resources were invested in brainwashing people with propaganda to the contrary. That's the problem, the hypocrisy, the irony - not how the world actually works, which may be entirely unavoidable.

[techjamie]

Same sorts of laws are the reason why it's generally difficult to import really cheap vehicles from overseas unless they're of a certain age, Chinese or not. Classical example that gained publicity are Japanese "Kei Trucks" that can only be imported after they're 25 years old.

And yeah, they cite safety as the reason. But as a motorcycle rider, I put a tank of explosive liquid against my crotch on a vehicle that will send me flying if one tire loses traction too badly with minimal safety mechanisms against it, and in my state I technically don't even have to wear a helmet.

On the other end of the spectrum, the most popular cars in the nation are the size of a light tank, and will smash into you at center mass before throwing you underneath them if you get hit by one.

Safety was never the concern.