Though Democrats are expected to oppose the efforts of the new Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, when it comes to the threat posed by China, the two sides have found something they can agree on.
In a surprising show of bipartisanship, House Democrats and Republicans voted Tuesday overwhelmingly to form a select committee to analyze strategic competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
"The Chinese Communist Party is responsible for gross human rights violations and has failed to answer fundamental questions about its role in the COVID-19 pandemic, yet President Biden and House Democrats have consistently coddled the party," said U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise). "With the creation of this committee, Republicans are sending a powerful message to the world that we are serious about challenging the CCP and holding them accountable for their actions on the world stage."
Called the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, members of the committee will investigate the CCP's "economic, technological and security progress" and make policy recommendations on how the U.S. can stay ahead of the competition.
Moore also said the select committee would be focusing on "restoring supply chains and ending critical economic dependencies on China, strengthening our military, ending the Chinese Communist Party's theft of American personal data and intellectual property, and contrasting the Chinese Communist Party's techno-totalitarian state with the values of the Free World."
Every Republican and roughly two-thirds of Democrats in the House, including U.S. Rep. Teri Sewell (D-Birmingham), voted in favor of the committee, which passed 365-65.
"We promised to keep the nation safe and hold the government accountable. We are delivering on that promise," U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) said.
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) agreed with Palmer, saying, "We will hold the CCP accountable and ensure that the United States is the world leader in innovation and prosperity!"
U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) said he hopes the committee can help bring back thousands of jobs that were lost to China.
"[The House GOP] is keeping our Commitment to America by putting together The Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and China to investigate how to bring back thousands of jobs that went to China and ensure the U.S. leads on the global stage," he said.
The select committee will consist of nine Republicans and seven Democrats appointed by chairman U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc). The minority of Democrats who voted against the committee said they were concerned it would be too focused on China's military and possibly contribute to "anti-Asian hate," Fox News reported.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com.
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