Suozzi Bipartisan Legislation to Counter Threats from the Chinese Communist Party, Defend American Interests Advances in House

Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) announced that the House has advanced bipartisan legislation that he is co-leading with Congressman Dale Strong (R-AL), H.R. 9668, the SHIELD Against CCP Act, to counter threats from the Chinese Communist Party and defend American interests. The legislation is expected to pass when the House of Representatives reconvenes after the November election.

The bill would establish and authorize a dedicated Department of Homeland Security working group to assess, identify, and counter homeland security threats associated with the Chinese Communist Party. 

“The threats to our homeland from the Chinese Communist Party should deeply concern every American. These threats should not be tolerated and cannot go unchecked,” said Suozzi. 

The Chinese Communist Party has engaged in transnational repression by harassing and surveilling people living in the U.S., including those in the exiled Uyghur community.

In April, FBI Director Christopher Wray  warned national security and intelligence experts that the CCP poses a “broad and unrelenting” threat to U.S. critical infrastructure.

In August, Microsoft released a report detailing efforts by the CCP to influence American voters ahead of the November election, divide the country, and even incite violence.

“Such brazen attacks on democracy, democratic institutions, and human rights will not be tolerated,” said Suozzi. “Congress cannot relent when it comes to protecting the U.S. from the broad and unrelenting threats from the CCP. This bipartisan legislation makes the critical point that when we set aside partisan differences and work together, we can effectively do the vital work we were elected to do. 

Congressman Suozzi is the Co-chair of the Congressional Uyghur Caucus and a former member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. 

Read the legislation here.

Watch Congressman Suozzi discuss the bill during committee markup here.