Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., reacted to President Trump's Monday call for the U.S. trade representative to investigate Chinese trade practices by calling it tough talk and weak action.

"President Trump's pattern continues: Tough talk on China, but weaker action than anyone could ever imagine," Schumer said in a statement shortly after Trump signed the executive order at the White House on Monday.

"To make an announcement that they're going to decide whether to have an investigation on China's well-documented theft of our intellectual property is another signal to China that it is O.K. to keep stealing," Schumer said.

The Senate Democratic leader also called on Trump to adopt the Democrat's "Better Deal" proposal on trade, which the party laid out just before the August recess as their plan to put working class Americans back to work and, potentially, win back their support at the ballot box. Schumer said that the proposal has "far more teeth" than the executive order or anything the administration has put forth.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., echoed Schumer's claim in a statement of her own. She called the investigation a "necessary step," but added that it isn't enough for American workers and that Trump has "done little" on the trade front.

"Opening an investigation of China's intellectual property practices is a necessary step, but far short of the comprehensive action American workers need," Pelosi said. "President Trump has done little on trade and nothing to create more good-paying jobs in America. Democrats believe American workers deserve A Better Deal on trade and infrastructure, not more empty promises from the President."

During his appearance at the White House, Trump said that the investigation will help "forgotten Americans" who have been hurt by U.S. trade laws, which was a cornerstone of his presidential campaign.

"We will stand up to any country that unlawfully forces American companies to transfer their valuable technology as a condition of market access. We will combat the counterfeiting and piracy that destroys American jobs, we will enforce the rules of fair and reciprocal trade that form the foundation of responsible commerce, and we will protect forgotten Americans who have been left behind by a global trade system that has failed to look — and I mean look — out for their interests," Trump said. "They have not been looking out at all."

Republicans applauded Trump's announcement on Monday. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, called it a "strong first step" toward holding the Chinese accountable. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who served as the U.S. trade representative under former President George W. Bush, also came out in favor of the investigation.

"I applaud the Trump administration's continued efforts to protect American jobs and ensure trade is fair for American businesses and workers," Portman said. "When the rules of the road are followed, U.S. businesses and workers can compete with anyone in the world. I look forward to working with the administration as it begins this 301 investigation, and will continue to work to hold foreign countries accountable when they violate our trade laws."