U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) is boasting of increased support for his comprehensive legislation to combat influence by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The Strategic Homeland Intelligence and Enforcement Legislation to Defend (SHIELD) Against the CCP Act would establish a dedicated Department of Homeland Security (DHS) working group to counter threats posed by the CCP and, specifically, would require the group to examine, assess, and report on the spectrum of nontraditional tactics employed by the government of China and the efforts of DHS to counter these malign activities.
"China represents one of the most aggressive and dangerous threats to our national security today," Strong said. "This bill ensures DHS has a dedicated team working to combat this threat. I'm proud this legislation has broad support from my colleagues in the House and our law enforcement partners. It's past time to get this legislation to the President's desk and to protect the American people."
On Tuesday, Strong announced growing national support for the bill, boasting endorsements from the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), the National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition (NNOAC) and the National Fusion Center Association (NFCA).
"We applaud Representative Dale Strong for championing the SHIELD Against the CCP Act, legislation that takes critical steps to coordinate efforts in addressing the growing threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party to our homeland," National Fusion Center Association President Mike Sena. "This bill importantly acknowledges the vital role of the National Network of Fusion Centers and the importance of intelligence sharing and collaboration across federal, state, and local levels to protect national security. We are especially grateful for the recognition of our dedicated state and local public safety professionals, both sworn and civilian, who work tirelessly every day to track criminal trends and share timely, credible threat information. Their commitment and expertise are essential to protecting our communities and enhancing our nation's ability to respond to emerging threats."
Strong's legislation cleared the House of Representatives in March and is now awaiting action in the U.S. Senate.
The legislation came after a 2023 House Committee on Homeland Security hearing, where national security experts testified on the CCP's threats to U.S. homeland security.
Strong cited the CCP's alleged exploitation of American universities, theft of intellectual property and technology, risks to economic supply chain security, threats to critical infrastructure and surveillance of U.S. interests as motivation for the bill.
According to Strong, the estimated impact of the People's Republic of China's theft of U.S. intellectual property costs the nation billions of dollars.
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