Staff Reports
In a decisive move that puts America first, the U.S. Senate has voted to prevent federal funds from benefiting China. The amendment to the Senate’s spending package for military construction and various departments passed with a strong majority of 61-36 votes. It specifically prohibits the use of appropriated funds to provide any financial benefit to Chinese entities or their subsidiaries.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), the amendment’s sponsor, passionately argued for the passage of the amendment. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing American citizens and American companies when allocating taxpayer dollars. “No American taxpayer dollars to the People’s Republic of China,” he boldly declared. The amendment aims to ensure that American funds are not directed towards Chinese companies or those owned and controlled by China.
Senate Says No to Allowing Federal Funds to Benefit China
The amendment prevents appropriations from being used to provide “any financial benefit” to Chinese entities.https://t.co/WaknznV5Oc
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) November 1, 2023
While the majority of the Senate clearly agreed with Sen. Hawley, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) expressed concerns about unintended consequences. She warned that vital government agencies, such as the VA, could face challenges in obtaining products like pharmaceuticals or medical devices if the amendment passed. Additionally, she highlighted potential difficulties for school lunch programs in procuring meat since some meat producers and processing companies, like Smithfield Foods, are owned by Chinese companies. However, Sen. Hawley questioned whether it made sense for America to be dependent on China for school lunches or pharmaceuticals.
The decision to restrict federal funds to China reflects the escalating tension between the two countries. With ongoing disputes over Taiwan’s independence and the war in Ukraine, it is crucial for the United States to protect its interests. In recent months, there have been concerted efforts to limit China’s influence on the domestic front, particularly regarding the food supply. Arkansas, for example, recently ordered a China-owned seed producer to sell off its farmland in the state. The Senate also passed an amendment in July to prevent China and other adversaries from acquiring U.S. farmland. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to safeguard national security by curbing Chinese investment in critical sectors.
The Senate’s decision to deny federal funds to China sends a strong message that America is standing up for its citizens and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not supporting entities that may pose a threat to national security. By remaining vigilant and proactive in safeguarding American interests, the United States is taking a significant step in shaping its future independently.
