Republicans Push for Legislative Action Against China as Funding Deadline Looms
In the wake of key legislative priorities aimed at constraining China’s influence failing to secure a spot in the yearly defense bill, Republicans are rallying to find alternative paths to enact stricter policies before the end of the year. The stakes are high as the House prepares to vote on the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which outlines an expansive $895 billion budget for the Pentagon.
Historically, the NDAA enjoys broad bipartisan support, having been crafted through negotiations among Republican and Democratic leaders in both the House and Senate. Nonetheless, this year’s package will not include provisions intended to curb the flow of U.S. dollars to companies affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party. This exclusion has prompted House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to advocate for these critical measures, highlighting their importance in upcoming must-pass legislation.
With a looming government funding deadline in just ten days, Republicans are considering incorporating these measures into a continuing resolution (CR). This legislative maneuver would extend the deadline for funding decisions and keep the budget at fiscal year 2024 levels while simultaneously pushing forward on their legislative agenda, multiple sources have confirmed.
Priorities Left on the Cutting Room Floor
The negotiations for the NDAA have revealed a notable absence of crucial provisions that would restrict U.S. investments in military technologies tied to China. This legislative gap is particularly concerning as it aims to bolster economic security and national defense, issues increasingly pressing amid rising tensions with China.
Speaker Johnson illustrated the momentum surrounding these discussions, stating, “Significant progress was made towards achieving consensus on provisions to counter China and strengthen our economic security.” He emphasized the need for more time to finalize these vital provisions, aiming for their passage before the New Year.
One significant proposal that did not make it into the NDAA is aimed at preventing U.S. investments in military-related technologies associated with China. This initiative mirrors a rule established by the Biden administration’s Treasury Department, which restricts U.S. financing of specific China-based ventures. The rule demands that Americans notify the government of any involvement with such companies, particularly focusing on dual-use technologies in sectors like artificial intelligence and quantum computing that could bolster China’s military capabilities.
Political Tensions and Legislative Stalemates
The opposition from Democrats played a crucial role in the stalled discussions. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., explicitly advocated against including outbound investment restrictions in the NDAA. This contentious atmosphere highlights the broader divide over defense issues, particularly as Republicans have also pushed for unrelated provisions, such as a ban on military healthcare funding for gender-transition operations for minors.
Opposition from Democratic representatives like Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., who expressed his unwillingness to support the NDAA due to the controversial transgender provision, further complicated negotiations.
The exclusion of the Biosecure Act—a measure designed to limit U.S. government contracts with companies engaging with “biotechnology companies of concern”—marks another significant legislative setback for Republicans. This bill, which aimed to shield U.S. interests from potential espionage or misuse of technology, faced resistance from Democratic representatives who argued it lacked sufficient evidence and procedural integrity.
Looking Ahead: A Fight for Legislative Unity
As Republicans strategize to include critical China-focused amendments in the must-pass funding legislation, they face the challenging task of navigating a fractious political landscape. Tactics like attaching these measures to a continuing resolution represent a calculated effort to ensure that they don’t languish in the legislative limbo often experienced by bills led by the GOP in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
With multiple layers of conflict surrounding these legislative priorities, including disagreements over tactics and issues of national security versus domestic policies, the coming weeks will be pivotal. As both parties grapple with the implications of their decisions, the urgent need for a cohesive and strategic approach to countering China’s ascent on the global stage remains more pressing than ever.
The legislative outcomes of these debates will significantly shape U.S.-China relations and determine the future of American economic security in a world increasingly influenced by international competition and geopolitical tensions. As the clock ticks down on the funding deadline, eyes are on Congress to see which provisions ultimately make the cut and how they may alter the landscape of U.S. foreign policy towards China.