09/19/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/19/2024 20:17
WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today joined Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in introducing legislationto set up the United States and its allies for success in strategic competition with China. A key provision of the bill is based on Grassley's Foreign Agents Disclosure and Registration Enhancement Act.
"China is leveraging every tool at its disposal in an attempt to leapfrog America as the world's leading superpower. This legislation takes a resolute stance against the Chinese Communist Party's global influence campaign and protects American interests. Critically, it also advances one of my major national security goals: adding teeth to FARA for the first time in almost 60 years. This will provide DOJ with the tools to more effectively and efficiently enforce the law, limiting the ability of the Chinese Communist Party and other foreign entities to secretly peddle their policy interests through public relations firms and lobbyists," Grassley said.
"Despite the significant threat China poses to the United States, the U.S. Congress has failed to enact legislation in a number of crucial areas that would set up the United States, its allies, and partners for success," Risch said. "This legislation takes strong positions to safeguard U.S. and allied interests and provides actionable provisions that will help us in our strategic competition with China. We cannot wait for more reports and studies - it is time to start implementing policies."
The STRATEGIC Act would:
Joining Grassley and Risch are Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.).
Download bill text HERE and a one-pager, HERE.
Background:
The Grassley-led Foreign Agents Disclosure and Registration Enhancement Act, included in the STRATEGIC Act,would strengthen FARA by shining light on foreign adversaries' efforts to influence American policy and public opinion. The bill stiffens penalties for foreign agents who do not register their status and provides DOJ with additional tools to investigate FARA violations.
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