House GOP Advances Bills To Reinstate Justice Department's 'China Initiative' Despite White House Disapproval

In a recent development, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved two Republican bills that seek to reestablish the U.S. Justice Department’s “China Initiative” and intensify the examination of Chinese property acquisitions, despite the White House’s objections.

What Happened: These bills were part of the House Republican’s “China Week,” an effort to push forward China-related legislation. Since Monday, over two dozen bills addressing Beijing’s economic, political, and technological influence have been passed, South China Morning Post reported on Thursday.

The first bill, proposed by Representative Lance Gooden, Republican of Texas, aims to initiate a six-year “CCP Initiative” under the Department of Justice to prevent spying on US intellectual property and academic institutions. It was passed with a 237-180 vote.

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The second bill, put forward by Representative Dan Newhouse, Republican of Washington, proposes to include the secretary of agriculture in the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). This inter-agency body oversees international mergers and acquisitions for potential national security risks. The bill was passed with a 269-149 vote.

Why It Matters: The “China Initiative” was discontinued by US President Joe Biden’s administration in February 2022, with the department committing to a “broader approach” that goes beyond just addressing the threat from Beijing. The initiative, which was launched in 2018 during Donald Trump‘s administration, faced criticism for resulting in misguided, racially biased, and excessive prosecutions.

Furthermore, the White House has voiced its opposition to both bills. It “strongly opposes” Gooden’s bill, despite being “committed to winning the economic competition of the 21st century against China”. The administration also opposes Newhouse’s bill, citing inconsistencies with CFIUS processes.

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This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Pooja Rajkumari