The China Week legislative initiative taking place in the House this week is a crucial step to address the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) malign activities, which not only threaten the United States and our allies, but also undermine global stability. The CCP’s belligerent behavior ranges from cyberattacks, military expansion, and support for U.S. adversaries like Russia and Iran to economic malfeasance like intellectual property theft, unfair trade practices, economic coercion, and cyberattacks.
The bipartisan legislation being considered this week will bolster security measures to protect U.S. businesses, intellectual property, and critical infrastructure.
FDD Action strongly supports the measures under consideration. The bills will curb the CCP’s expanding influence in key areas, such as technology, global supply chains, and international institutions. The House’s bipartisan approach will send a clear message to adversaries that the United States is unified in its resolve and commitment to maintaining competitiveness, safeguarding national security, upholding international norms, and defending democracies.
• FDD Action strongly supports this measure. This critical legislation mandates that the State Department periodically review whether the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in Washington, DC, New York, and San Francisco should maintain their current diplomatic immunity. If the State Department determines that they should not, or if Congress passes a joint resolution disapproving their continued operation, the offices would lose their diplomatic status within 180 days.
• FDD Action supports these three measures to amend the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA) to enhance the implementation, enforcement, and oversight of export controls targeting malign CCP activities. They clarify ECRA’s applicability to protecting trade secrets, increase oversight of the Department of Commerce’s licensing process, and expand interagency review for changes to the Entity List, which dictates export control restrictions.
• FDD Action supports this legislation, which mandates that any new science and technology agreements, or extensions of existing agreements, with the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) or any PRC entity must be subject to specific requirements.
• FDD Action supports this legislation, which mandates reporting on China’s assistance to Russia and imposes secondary sanctions on any foreign person involved in economic or industrial espionage related to trade secrets or proprietary information owned by U.S. persons.
• FDD Action supports this legislation, which authorizes the creation of a fund to counter the malign influence of the PRC. The purposes of the fund include addressing PRC activities that undermine a rules-based order, advance China’s objectives through coercion and dependency, threaten the national security or sovereignty of the United States and other states, and employ corruption and coercive economic practices to pursue their interests.
• FDD Action strongly supports this critical legislation, which requires a review to determine if individuals or entities already subject to certain sanctions or export restrictions should also face additional sanctions and be included on other relevant lists. This includes sanctions that block property and interests of sanctioned individuals and entities, restrictions on exports (such as those listed on the Entity List, Unverified List, and Military End User List), and specific measures targeting Chinese military entities under Section 1260H of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act. This measure would harmonize and enhance the effectiveness of various sanctions and restrictive measures, targeting governments and organizations—ranging from China and Russia to terrorist groups and narcotics traffickers—that pose threats to U.S. national security.
• FDD Action strongly supports this resolution, which underscores the critical importance of the United States’ treaty alliances with South Korea and Japan. By reaffirming these essential partnerships, the resolution can help bolster regional stability and strengthen collective security in the face of emerging threats.
• FDD Action strongly supports this legislation, which mandates that the State Department submit comprehensive strategies to Congress aimed at countering efforts by China and Russia to advance their interests within the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The legislation also seeks to promote the adoption of secure telecommunications infrastructure in countries beyond the United States. By requiring these submissions, the bill ensures a coordinated U.S. response to the growing influence of China and Russia in global telecommunications. It underscores the importance of safeguarding international communication networks from malign influences and promoting the use of secure, reliable technology to protect global information security.
• FDD Action strongly endorses the Countering CCP Drones Act, which mandates that telecommunications and video surveillance equipment or services provided by DJI Technologies be included on a list of communications equipment deemed by the Federal Communications Commission to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security. This bill addresses the significant threat that CCP-affiliated drones and other technologies pose to the integrity of critical U.S. supply chains. By preventing these technologies from becoming further integrated into the U.S. telecommunications sector, the legislation helps safeguard sensitive infrastructure, bolster the American economy, and support domestic manufacturers.
• FDD Action strongly supports this legislation, which mandates that the Department of Commerce report on the national security risks associated with consumer routers, modems, and combined modem-router devices that are designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by entities owned, controlled, or influenced by Russia, China, North Korea, or Iran. By requiring a thorough assessment of the national security risks posed by such equipment, the bill seeks to protect U.S. networks and communications systems from potential threats and vulnerabilities that could be exploited by adversarial states. This proactive measure would help safeguard sensitive information and ensure the integrity and security of U.S. telecommunications infrastructure, reinforcing the country’s overall cybersecurity posture and resilience against external threats.
• FDD Action strongly supports this bill, which requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to publish an annual list of entities holding FCC licenses or authorizations that have affiliations with specific countries. The bill mandates that entities be included if they are partly owned by the governments of China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or Venezuela, or by organizations under their control. Additionally, the FCC has the authority to add other entities to this list after consulting with national security agencies. This measure enhances transparency and security by identifying potential risks posed by foreign-affiliated entities in critical communication sectors.
• FDD Action strongly supports this bill, which directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a 6G Task Force focused on the development of sixth-generation wireless technology. This task force would be responsible for reporting on key aspects of 6G, including its standards, potential applications, and implications for future communications infrastructure. It would comprise representatives from trusted companies in the communications sector, reputable public interest organizations, academic institutions, and various levels of government, including federal, state, local, and tribal. This comprehensive approach ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, promoting secure and effective advancements in 6G technology.
• FDD Action strongly supports this bill, which imposes stricter penalties on tax-exempt organizations that make donations to political committees after receiving contributions from foreign nationals. Under this legislation, the penalty for such actions is set at 200% of the donation amount. Additionally, if an organization makes more than two such contributions, it would lose its tax-exempt status. Overall, this measure would help prevent foreign influence in U.S. political activities and ensure greater accountability and integrity within the charitable sector.
• FDD Action strongly supports this critical legislation, which makes essential statutory adjustments to the Research, Development, Competition, and Innovation Act. The bill would ensure that foreign countries of concern, such as China, are accurately cited in relation to prohibitions on malign foreign talent recruitment. By refining these provisions, the legislation aims to protect U.S. intellectual property and technological advancements from being exploited by adversarial foreign entities, thereby strengthening national security and innovation competitiveness.
• FDD Action strongly supports this bill, which mandates enhanced reporting and financial restrictions on specific Chinese officials in response to threats to U.S. interests from China. If the President identifies such a threat, the Department of the Treasury would be required to report to Congress on the financial holdings of certain CCP members. This includes details on the total value, asset descriptions, and involved financial institutions, as well as how these assets were acquired, focusing on any illicit or corrupt practices. Additionally, Treasury would prohibit major financial transactions between U.S. institutions and these individuals and their immediate families, with exceptions for intelligence, law enforcement, and national security purposes. The President could waive these restrictions under specified conditions.
• FDD Action strongly supports this bill, which mandates that the U.S. oppose any increase in the weighting of Chinese currency (the renminbi) in the basket of currencies used to determine the value of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) unless specific conditions are met. SDRs are an essential currency tool for International Monetary Fund (IMF) members. The bill requires the Department of the Treasury to direct U.S. officials at the IMF to block such an increase unless China meets critical standards, including full compliance with all IMF obligations and no evidence of currency manipulation in the past 12 months. This measure ensures that China’s currency practices are closely scrutinized, protecting global financial stability and U.S. interests.
• FDD Action strongly supports this bill, which aims to prevent the federal government from contracting with biotechnology companies controlled by “foreign adversaries.” The bill specifically targets five Chinese companies—BGI Group, MGI, Complete Genomics, WuXi Biologics Cayman Inc., and WuXi Apptec—prohibiting them from receiving federal contracts. Additionally, U.S. companies currently holding contracts with these biotech firms are required to terminate their partnerships by 2032. This measure is crucial for safeguarding national security by limiting the involvement of foreign adversaries in sensitive biotechnology sectors, thereby protecting U.S. interests and ensuring the integrity of federal contracts.
• FDD Action strongly supports this bill, which would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from procuring batteries from certain entities, including six Chinese companies—CATL, BYD, Envision Energy, EVE Energy, Gotion High-Tech, and Hithium—as well as their subsidiaries or successors. The ban extends to entities identified for using forced labor under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, those classified as Chinese military companies under the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act, and those listed on the U.S. export control Entity List. Additionally, DHS cannot procure batteries made with components from these banned entities. Exceptions allow for waivers if DHS notifies Congress, determines no risk to national security, and finds no viable alternatives. The ban may also be waived for batteries used solely for research or evaluation purposes. This legislation is crucial for protecting U.S. national security and ensuring the integrity of federal procurement processes.
• FDD Action strongly supports this legislation, which seeks to enhance U.S. engagement with the Pacific Islands region. The bill mandates that by January 1, 2026, and every four years thereafter, the President, in collaboration with the Secretary of State, develop and submit to Congress a document titled the Strategy for Pacific Partnership. This strategy would detail the U.S. approach and initiatives to strengthen and deepen its partnership with the Pacific Islands.
• FDD Action strongly supports this bill, which mandates that newly constructed foreign cranes destined for high-risk U.S. ports must be inspected by the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, for potential security threats before entering service. This is particularly important for cranes with internet connectivity, ensuring that potential security risks are identified and mitigated to protect U.S. port and maritime transportation security.
• FDD Action strongly supports this bill, which reinstates and renames a critical Department of Justice (DOJ) initiative focused on countering threats from China. Originally known as the China Initiative, this program is reestablished as the CCP Initiative, with clear goals and requirements. The initiative aims to address nation-state threats to the U.S.; combat CCP espionage targeting U.S. intellectual property and academic institutions; and identify and prosecute individuals involved in trade secret theft, hacking, and economic espionage. It also focuses on protecting U.S. critical infrastructure from foreign threats. The DOJ would provide annual briefings to designated congressional committees on the initiative’s progress and challenges, with the program set to terminate six years after the bill’s enactment. This measure is vital for enhancing national security and safeguarding American interests.
• FDD Action strongly advocates for this measure, which would prohibit DHS from providing funds to U.S. universities unless they sever ties with Confucius Institutes and other specified entities of concern. These include Chinese universities linked to China’s defense industrial base or military-civil fusion, institutions affiliated with the State Administration for Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense, those receiving funding from organizations under the CCP Central Military Commission, and entities supporting China’s security, defense, police, or intelligence agencies. The funding restriction would be implemented starting in the fiscal year one year after the measure is enacted.
• FDD Action supports this legislation that amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude vehicles with batteries containing materials sourced from prohibited foreign entities, including Chinese firms, from the clean vehicle credit. This bill promotes national security by reducing U.S. reliance on adversarial nations for critical resources, encourages domestic production of essential battery materials, and strengthens our supply chain. It aligns with long-term environmental goals while fostering American innovation and energy independence.
• FDD Action supports this critical legislation that adds the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). This legislation is crucial for safeguarding U.S. national security by prohibiting foreign adversaries from purchasing American agricultural land. By involving the Secretary of Agriculture in reviewing transactions related to land, biotechnology, transportation, storage, and processing, it strengthens oversight. The bill also mandates that the Secretary report any transactions posing a potential threat to national security, ensuring greater protection of critical agricultural resources and our nation’s food supply.