Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement following the introduction of the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength (America COMPETES) Act of 2022:
“I am proud to see the introduction of the bipartisan America COMPETES Act of 2022, a groundbreaking legislative package that positions the United States for success in long-term global competition. America COMPETES makes historic investments to strengthen America’s economy, security, and global leadership. To compete effectively with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the legislation leverages our core strengths and values, and presents a positive, whole-of-government agenda that rises to the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century.
“Through the inclusion of my bill, the EAGLE Act, America COMPETES prioritizes diplomacy and engagement to bolster our alliances and demonstrate that the United States can tackle global challenges such as global health, nuclear security, global human rights, and climate change. The bill ensures that the U.S. Government will stand for our values and hold the PRC accountable for its gross violations of human rights in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong.
“To bolster economic competitiveness, America COMPETES has provisions to secure critical supply chains, shape the rules and standards that govern global commerce and development, empower American workers and businesses, and invest in science and innovation. I praise the Speaker and my House colleagues for putting together a comprehensive strategy to tackle the China challenge.”
A copy of the America COMPETES Act of 2022 can be found here. Key elements of the legislation include:
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Over $52 billion in funding for a Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Fund.
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Investments in science and innovation to strengthen America’s global economic competitiveness and create jobs for American workers and families.
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An increase of State Department personnel and resources devoted to the Indo-Pacific, as well as to regional and international organizations to boost multilateralism and global rules.
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A blueprint to bolster America’s alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific bilaterally, through regional organizations, and through the Quad, as well as regional blueprints to enhance American engagement globally.
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Refugee protections for Uyghurs and Hong Kongers who have been persecuted by the PRC, and provisions to hold the PRC accountable for its human rights violations.
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American investments and diplomatic leadership to tackle urgent global challenges such as climate change and pandemics.