Congress To Prioritize Addressing China Threat Upon Returning.

The House of Representatives is set to commence its fall session with a series of legislations focused on China, scheduling a dedicated China Week starting September 9th upon their return to Washington.

In light of growing concerns about China’s actions, Congressman Michael McCaul has emphasized the critical need for Congress to prioritize countering China and utilize all available means to address the formidable threat posed by the nation.

Given their slim four-seat majority (220-211) and the approaching presidential election in November, Republicans aim to pass several uncontroversial bills related to China. Consequently, the proposed package encompasses topics that enjoy bipartisan consensus, along with suggesting procedural changes of less significant magnitude.

Republicans are hoping to expedite the approval of the majority of these bills. By employing the fast-tracking procedure, which necessitates the support of two-thirds of representatives on the House floor, the allotted time for debate will be limited to 40 minutes. However, it remains uncertain whether this same package of legislation will successfully pass in the Democratic-majority Senate.

Sponsors of various bills have issued statements highlighting how their proposed legislation addresses areas where China poses threats to the United States. These areas encompass China’s aggression towards Taiwan, its land acquisitions near sensitive military installations, enabling Russia in the Ukraine War, interfering in U.S. elections, and exploiting U.S. tax credits and export control loopholes.

Representative French Hill (R-Ark.) expressed the crucial importance of deterring China’s aggression on the global stage in order to maintain stability in the United States and allied nations, stating, “Deterring China’s aggression on the world stage is crucial to ensure stability in the United States and our allied nations.”

Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland has raised significant concerns among lawmakers and state leaders, garnering significant attention from Representative Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.). He emphasized the link between food security and national security, asserting, “Food security is national security, and for too long, the federal government has allowed the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to put our security at risk by turning a blind eye to their steadily increasing purchases of American farmland.”

Chinese interference in U.S. elections has been a well-known threat for several years.