U.S. Senator Jim Risch - ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Jim Risch - ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, alongside Senators 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), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) introduced the STRATEGIC Act 2024 on September 19, 2024. This legislation aims to position the United States and its allies for success in strategic competition against China.
“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,” said Risch. “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.”
Senator Ricketts emphasized an all-encompassing governmental approach: “The STRATEGIC Act is a crucial step to ensuring the federal government has the tools it needs to keep Americans safe and support our allies around the world in the face of Chinese Communist Party aggression.”
Young highlighted the timing of this initiative: “The STRATEGIC Act comes at an important time as the Chinese Communist Party continues its efforts to undermine security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. By supporting our partners under threat of coercion, we protect America’s own national security interests.”
Barrasso critiqued current administration policies: “China is our greatest economic competitor and one of the biggest geopolitical threats... The Biden-Harris administration’s record high inflation, anti-American energy agenda, and failed foreign policy have only strengthened the Chinese Communist Party.”
Crapo echoed these sentiments: “The Biden-Harris Administration passively allows China’s malign actions to go unchecked, undermining our national security interests and that of our allies. This legislation forces real action to defend American prosperity and security against Chinese coercion.”
Dr. Cassidy added his perspective on trade practices: “We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to their predatory trade practices and militarization.”
Sullivan pointed out congressional consensus: “There is consensus in Congress that the Chinese Communist Party is America’s number one strategic threat... This bill will work to protect America’s interests... I also look forward to working with my colleagues on additional priorities related to challenges posed by China.”
Romney commented on global leadership dynamics: “A world where China is the global economic, geopolitical, and military leader is a world where the United States is less secure... While this legislation does not take place of that need, it includes strong policies that will help counter CCP’s Belt and Road Initiative."
Cornyn spoke about supply chain vulnerabilities: “From disrupting our critical supply chains... this legislation would help shore up our response... strengthen our alliances."
Grassley discussed legislative enforcement: "This legislation takes a resolute stance against CCP's global influence campaign... providing DOJ with tools to more effectively enforce law."
Capito summarized broader goals: "Competing with CCP's influence operations should be a priority across federal government. The STRATEGIC Act charts a course for comprehensive competition with China."
The STRATEGIC Act includes reforms such as:
- Removing exemptions under Foreign Agents Registration Act for foreign adversaries.
- Enhancing transparency among think tanks.
- Authorizing strategic infrastructure initiatives focused on digital, transport, energy sectors.
- Addressing predatory Chinese economic practices through anti-trust reform.
- Strengthening international security measures including modifications for AUKUS cooperation.
- Supporting Taiwan and partner countries facing threats from China.
- Increasing oversight of U.S. funding for biological research involving China.
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