Explained: How US Congress is Tackling Chinese Threats with 25 New Bills

In a significant move to protect Americans from growing threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the U.S. House of Representatives passed 25 critical pieces of legislation during "China Week." The bills target the military, economic, technological, and ideological dangers posed by the CCP. The initiative was led by Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.

Chairman Moolenaar, alongside Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Michael McCaul (R-TX), underscored the importance of the legislation. Addressing the House, Moolenaar said, “This week, we will draw a line in the sand. With one voice, the U.S. Congress will tell Xi Jinping, this far, and no further.”

Legislation to Protect American Interests

Several of the bills passed during China Week stem from recommendations in the Select Committee's December 2023 Economic Report and the May 2023 Ten for Taiwan Report. Of the 25 bills passed, 12 are directly connected to these policy reports.

One of the most notable pieces of legislation passed was the BIOSECURE Act, which focuses on safeguarding Americans’ genetic data from Chinese biotechnology companies with ties to the CCP. Sponsored by Chairman Moolenaar, Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), the bill blocks Chinese companies like BGI Genomics, Wuxi AppTec, and Wuxi Biologics from accessing certain federal contracts, designating them as foreign adversary biotechnology companies.

Other key bills include:

• H.R. 2684 - COUNTERING CCP DRONES ACT: Aimed at addressing the security risks posed by Chinese-made drones.
• H.R. 9456 - PROTECTING AMERICAN AGRICULTURE FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARIES: Protects U.S. agriculture from foreign interference and CCP influence.
• H.R. 7980 - CHINESE DOMINANCE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN AMERICA ACT: Reduces U.S. dependence on Chinese electric vehicle components.
• H.R. 1516 - DHS RESTRICTIONS ON CONFUCIUS INSTITUTES AND CHINESE ENTITIES OF CONCERN ACT: Focuses on limiting the influence of Chinese-backed Confucius Institutes in U.S. educational institutions.

Bipartisan Support for China Week

The effort to pass these bills saw overwhelming bipartisan support, reflecting the growing concern in both parties over China's influence and actions on the global stage. The legislation passed during China Week is intended to protect American industries, safeguard national security, and address human rights issues related to the CCP.

The newly passed bills also focus on economic security, including the DECOUPLING FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARIAL BATTERY DEPENDENCE ACT and the Economic Espionage Prevention Act, both aimed at reducing U.S. reliance on Chinese goods and preventing intellectual property theft.

Chairman Moolenaar emphasized that the U.S. Congress is committed to countering the CCP’s threats, saying, “These measures reflect a unified effort to protect American interests and send a clear message to China. We will not stand idly by.”

What’s Next

As these 25 bills move forward, their impact will depend on further action in the Senate and implementation at the federal level. Still, China Week marks a crucial step in the U.S. government's efforts to push back against China’s growing influence, both at home and abroad.

A Strong Message to Xi Jinping

China Week serves as a reminder that US Congress remains focused on countering CCP influence. With bipartisan support, the bills passed this week aim to strengthen U.S. resilience against potential threats from China, ensuring the protection of American security, technology, and industries.

The passage of these bills signifies a strong commitment from the U.S. Congress to protect the nation from foreign adversaries, particularly as concerns over China’s global ambitions continue to grow.