Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) today voted against House Democrats' so-called "COMPETES Act," which fails to address the generational challenges posed by the Chinese government. LaHood spoke on the floor during the House debate. His remarks can be viewed here.
After the vote, LaHood released the following statement:
"Instead of following the productive, bipartisan efforts initiated in the Senate on real policies to address the China threat, House Democrats chose a partisan, go-it-alone approach that fails to meet our urgent needs to strengthen American competitiveness and protect our national security. During my time in Congress, I’ve worked across the aisle on China policy because I understand the unique and necessary action required to strengthen America and combat growing challenges from China.
"As co-chair of the bipartisan U.S. China Working Group, I've worked to educate members on the engagement between the U.S. and China and encourage productive and informed dialogue around American policies in the Indo Pacific. On the Ways and Means Committee, we've worked to bring manufacturing back to the United States, hold China to their trade commitments in the Phase One Deal, and prioritize digital trade agreements with like-minded allies to combat China’s abusive digital standards. On the Intelligence Committee, we engage regularly on the national security threats the Chinese government poses. And, as a GOP China Task Force member, we outlined over 400 recommendations on China policy – with over 2/3 of the legislative recommendations having bipartisan support in Congress.
"It’s disappointing that House Democrats ignored these efforts and this important opportunity to work with Republicans and are instead resurrecting their failed Build Back Better agenda. We must work together to address the real-life security challenges presented by China, prioritize critical trade initiatives to put American workers and businesses first, and counter China’s market-distorting and dangerous economic practices. Unfortunately, Democrats have tried to leverage these important issues to cynically push forward unrelated liberal priorities."
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