The House of Representatives is preparing for a busy fall session focused on China-related legislation. Upon returning to Washington on Monday, Speaker Mike Johnson’s office released over 30 bills aimed at protecting U.S. farmland, trade secrets, critical infrastructure, and advanced technology from the predatory practices of the Chinese regime.
This legislation has been in the works for some time, with Johnson expressing his hope to have a significant package of China-related bills signed into law by the end of the year. He emphasized that China poses the greatest threat to global peace and that Congress must use every tool at its disposal to counter this threat.
With a narrow four-seat majority and the upcoming presidential election in November, Republicans are aiming to pass noncontroversial bills on China. The package covers issues where both parties have consensus and suggests procedural changes that are less substantial.
Republicans plan to expedite most of these bills through a fast-tracking procedure that limits debate time to 40 minutes and requires two-thirds majority votes on the House floor. However, it remains uncertain whether this same package will pass in the Democratic-majority Senate.
Sponsors of these bills have highlighted how their legislation addresses various areas where China poses threats to U.S. interests. These include aggressions over Taiwan, farmland acquisitions near sensitive military installations, enabling Russia in Ukraine’s war, interfering with U.S. elections, and exploiting tax credits and export control loopholes.
Lawmakers such as Reps. French Hill (R-Ark.), Rich McCormick (R-Ga.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), August Pfluger (R-Texas), Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), and Carol Miller (R-W.Va.) have introduced bills targeting specific concerns related to China’s actions.
Issues such as Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland and interference in U.S. elections have long been causes for concern among lawmakers and state leaders alike.
As Congress reconvenes this week for “China Week,” it remains to be seen how many of these bills will successfully navigate through both chambers before becoming law.