Metro Lex News

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Countering the PRC Malign Influence Fund Authorization Act of 2023,” introduced by Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06). The legislation authorizes $325 million annually for fiscal years 2023 through 2027 to combat the Chinese Communist Party’s global influence. The funds will support initiatives aimed at countering CCP disinformation, promoting transparency, reducing corruption, and combating coercive economic practices associated with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. A senior State Department official will oversee these efforts to ensure alignment with U.S. national security priorities and include annual reporting to Congress on the effectiveness of funded activities.

"The Chinese Communist Party’s growing global influence is a direct threat to the sovereignty of nations and the free and open international order we are committed to defending," said Rep. Andy Barr. "This legislation equips us with the tools to counter China's coercive tactics, ensuring that America and our allies can stand strong against authoritarianism while protecting our national security interests. For too long, funds meant to safeguard these interests have been diverted to questionable projects—like $6 million for Pacific island weather and ocean data collection, $5 million for English language training in Angola, and $2.5 million for scooter charging stations in Vietnam. With this bill, we send a clear message: the United States will not allow the spread of malign influence that threatens freedom and democracy worldwide."

“For far too long, China has sought to change the status quo and upend America’s democracy at every turn," said Chairman Michael McCaul. "I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation — thanks to Congressman Barr’s leadership — that authorizes the PRC influence fund and creates the desperately needed guardrails to ensure the money is going to combat the CCP’s malign actions.”

“The U.S. needs more effective and agile tools to better compete with the Chinese Communist Party around the world,” said Chairman John Moolenaar. "As the Select Committee endorsed in its economic and technology competition report, Rep. Barr’s critical legislation will strengthen the State Department’s Countering the PRC Malign Influence Fund and better enable it to successfully advance American interests abroad. My thanks to Rep. Barr for his relentless leadership on this issue.”

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