Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) introduced the Countering Chinese Political Warfare Act on Tuesday, legislation that would sanction any individual or group that conducts political warfare on behalf of a foreign government against the United States. The legislation also requires the Secretary of State to determine if the United Front Work Department (UFWD)—an overseas influence arm of the Chinese Communist Party—qualifies for sanctions. Representative Jim Banks (Indiana-03) introduced companion legislation in the House.
“The Chinese Communist Party has proven that it will spread disinformation and lie any way it can—from the oppression of Uyghurs, to the origins of COVID-19, to it accessing the data of Americans who use TikTok. Any person or group who spread the Chinese Communists’ propaganda, like UFWD, should face sanctions,” said Senator Cotton.
“The United Front Work Department has targeted our universities, state and local lawmakers, business associations and even Congress. This bill gives America the necessary tools to strike back against malign Communist Party influence on US soil,” said Congressman Banks.
Text of the bill may be found here.
The Countering Chinese Political Warfare would:
- Create a new sanctions authority against state backed political warfare networks.
- Require the Secretary of State to examine whether or not the United Front Work Department meets the criteria to be sanctioned under this new authority.
