Strategic Homeland Intelligence and Enforcement Legislation to Defend Against the Ccp Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my legislation, H.R. 9668, the SHIELD Against CCP Act.

We can all agree that the Chinese Communist Party poses a clear and present danger to America's democracy and homeland security.

The CCP exploits every possible avenue to undermine our national security, and the Biden-Harris administration's open southern border policy and soft-on-China policies have only aided our adversaries' ability to harm American interests.

Our immigration system is routinely exploited by the CCP through identity theft, immigrant and nonimmigrant visa processes, and unlawful border crossings. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, in fiscal year 2021, there were 323 apprehensions of Chinese foreign nationals. Nearly 4 years of the Biden-Harris administration have ballooned that number to 64,000.

In addition to exploiting our immigration system, the CCP also engages in theft of U.S. intellectual property and technology, which comes at a significant cost to our economy. It is estimated that China's IP theft alone costs the average American family of four anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000 annually after taxes. It is critical that DHS do more to combat these complex threats both at home and abroad.

For these reasons, I introduced H.R. 9668, the SHIELD Against CCP Act. This legislation will require the Department of Homeland Security to establish a dedicated working group to counter threats posed to our homeland security by the Chinese Communist Party.

Specifically, it will require them to examine, assess, and report on DHS' efforts to counter the threats posed by the CCP. To ensure DHS is held accountable, H.R. 9668 also requires DHS to report annually to Congress.

It is our duty in Congress to ensure the safety and well-being of our great Nation, and we must not ignore the increasing aggression and influence of China on the global stage.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Green and all of the Members who have supported this legislation, and I urge all Members to join me in supporting this critically important piece of legislation to protect our national security and safeguard our interest.

Ms. CLARKE of New York.

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