North Austin News

U.S. Congressmen Michael McCaul, Andy Barr, and John Moolenaar have reintroduced the Foreign Investment Guardrails to Help Thwart (FIGHT) China Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to prevent American capital from financing China's military buildup, technological advancements, and human rights violations. The bill proposes a comprehensive screening regime for outbound investments to protect U.S. investors from unintentionally funding the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) military and surveillance capabilities.

Congressman McCaul emphasized the importance of protecting U.S. national security by ensuring that American capital does not aid CCP's efforts: "The Chinese Communist Party will stop at nothing to prop up its military and surveillance state." He urged swift passage of the bill, which he believes will continue efforts initiated under former President Trump.

Congressman Barr criticized previous administrations for not keeping pace with China's growing influence: "The CCP is using American capital to fuel its military ambitions and undermine our security." He expressed optimism about working with President Trump to enact this legislation into law.

Congressman Moolenaar highlighted the bipartisan nature of the effort: "Reintroducing this legislation is a crucial step in stopping American investments from fueling China’s military buildup and technological ambitions."

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson stressed Congress's role in safeguarding economic interests against ongoing threats from the CCP: "President Trump has made clear the past few decades of investments propping up Chinese aggression must come to an end."

Additionally, Senator John Cornyn has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.