East Central Texas News

On Tuesday, the House passed H.R. 9668, known as the SHIELD Against CCP Act. This legislation aims to enhance America's defenses against homeland security threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The bill establishes a dedicated Department of Homeland Security (DHS) working group tasked with assessing, identifying, and reporting on efforts to counter these threats.

"The Chinese Communist Party’s actions represent a direct and unrelenting threat to our homeland security," said Congressman Ellzey. "From the spy balloon that flew over our nation’s most sensitive defense sites to the illegal Chinese police stations operating right here on American soil, the CCP has become more brazen in its attempts to undermine our national security. H.R. 9668 ensures that the Department of Homeland Security has a focused and comprehensive strategy to identify and counter these threats."

The act is a response to testimony given earlier this year before Congress. On March 9, 2023, national security experts presented their concerns to the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence regarding the CCP's activities. Testimonies included issues such as:

- The exploitation of American universities by the CCP for stealing intellectual property and technology.

- Threats posed to economic supply chain security and critical infrastructure.

- Surveillance activities targeting U.S. citizens.

- Harassment campaigns against exiled communities like Uyghur Americans.

H.R. 9668 sets up a DHS working group responsible for providing regular assessments and recommendations to Congress aimed at strengthening defenses against these threats from the CCP.