Grassley, Risch Introduce STRATEGIC Act to Counter CCP Competition

Grassley, Risch Introduce STRATEGIC Act to Counter CCP Competition

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:

• Reform the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) by removing certain exemptions for foreign adversaries and authorizing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue civil investigative demands.
• Address predatory CCP economic practices through anti-trust reform and increased scrutiny of foreign investments in American farmland - a major Grassley priority.
• Counter CCP influence by enhancing think tank transparency, prohibiting certain foreign gifts and contracts to U.S. colleges, improving research security and exposing CCP's harassment and abuse of diplomats.
• Authorize strategic infrastructure initiatives focused on digital, transport and energy sectors, while strengthening supply chain security and lowering trade barriers.
• Strengthen international security by countering the proliferation of Chinese unmanned aerial systems in the Middle East and modifying the Missile Technology Control Regime to increase AUKUS cooperation.
• Bolster support for Taiwan and partner countries by establishing a task force to identify targets for sanctions, export controls and other economic measures.
• Protect U.S. interests in international organizations and support for human rights.
• Increase oversight of U.S. funding for biological research in China.

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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