Chairman McCaul Delivers Remarks On National Security and Infrastructure Bills At Full Committee Markup
Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul delivered remarks at a full committee markup on bills to restrict the flow of critical technologies fueling the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and H.R. 3569, the Expansion of the Starr-Camargo Bridge near Rio Grande City, TX.
During today’s markup, several bills—including H.R. 6602, To amend the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 relating to the review of the interagency dispute resolution process; H.R. 6606, To amend the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 relating to the statement of policy; H.R. 5613, To require a review of whether individuals or entities subject to the imposition of certain sanctions through inclusion on certain sanctions lists should also be subject to the imposition of other sanctions and included on other sanctions lists; and H.R. 6614, To amend the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 relating to licensing transparency–were offered to amend the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 and to prevent the continued flow of American national security technologies to the CCP and fueling its military growth.
“The CCP poses a direct threat to our national security. Each year, China steals upwards of 600 billion dollars’ worth of American technology and the [Federal Bureau of Investigation] opens a new case on CCP economic espionage every 12 hours. … It is well past time that we modernize the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to stay ahead of our adversaries.” said Chairman McCaul.
H.R. 3569 authorizes the expansion the Starr-Camargo Bridge near Rio Grande City, Texas, which serves as a major channel for U.S.-Mexico trade. H.R. 3569 enables the Starr–Camargo Bridge Company to use tolls—collected on the bridge—to expand and improve the bridge, enabling continued bilateral trade and commerce.
“The expansion of critical infrastructure is essential to keep goods and services flowing. … The bridge is a key commercial gateway that brings in close to 800 million dollars a year in imports through Texas and into the country. Its expansion will increase international commerce and trade, lowering the cost of goods for American families. … No taxpayer funds will be utilized in the improvement process.” said Chairman McCaul.
To watch today’s full committee markup, click here.
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