US House passes the China-focused America Competes Act
- The final scope of the bill is unknown as it still must be reconciled with similar Senate legislation that was approved last year
- ‘This is a competition issue, making our workers and our country compete with slave labour in China,’ says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
The US House of Representatives passed mammoth new China legislation on Friday that targets nearly every aspect of Washington’s tense relationship with Beijing.
“The America Competes Act will ensure that America is pre-eminent in manufacturing, innovation and economic strength, and can outcompete any nation,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“We’re positioning US interests and values to win in the world arena, including holding the People’s Republic of China accountable for genocide and using slave labour,” she said. “This is not just a values issue in terms of human rights – this is a competition issue, making our workers and our country compete with slave labour in China.”
The legislation advanced by a 222-210 vote, putting Congress one step closer to passing a bill that supporters say would strengthen Washington’s hand in its intensifying competition with Beijing.
