China bill delayed in US House of Representatives as Republicans and Democrats trade barbs
- The foreign affairs committee will resume work on the Eagle Act later this month after two days of debate ended without a vote
- The two parties both back a tough stance towards Beijing, but disagree on the best approach
The US House of Representatives foreign affairs committee will resume work later this month on Democratic-led legislation intended to boost competitiveness with China and push Beijing on human rights, after two days of debate on the measure.
A spokesman said on Friday the panel would continue its consideration of the Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement Act, or Eagle Act, on July 12 after marathon discussion of the measure on Wednesday and Thursday, but no vote.
However, the two parties disagree on how best to deal with Beijing. While the Senate passed sweeping legislation with bipartisan support in early June, the full House has yet to finalise or vote on a comprehensive bill.
During the marathon discussion of the Eagle Act, which ended well after midnight on Wednesday and then stretched into Thursday evening, members of the foreign affairs panel offered about 100 amendments to the legislation, which was written by the committee’s Democratic chairman, Representative Gregory Meeks.