WASHINGTON, D.C. — A group of bipartisan lawmakers, led by U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), unveiled the SHIELD Against CCP Act this week to bolster national security measures against threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Joining Fetterman in introducing the legislation were Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), James Lankford (R-OK), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).
The proposed legislation seeks to establish a dedicated working group within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify and tackle specific threats posed by the CCP. Issues to be addressed include cybersecurity vulnerabilities, economic predation, intellectual property theft, human trafficking, and the devastating impact of fentanyl trafficking.
“The CCP controls everything that happens in China, and they will cheat, steal, and poison our communities if it helps them get ahead,” said Senator Fetterman. “Enough is enough. I’m teaming up with Senators Cornyn, Gallego, and Lankford on the SHIELD Against CCP Act to make sure DHS has the muscle to punch back and keep our people safe.”
The legislation would direct DHS to assess the CCP’s activities related to illegal border crossings, customs fraud, counterfeit goods, the use of forced labor, and financial crimes, among other priorities. Additionally, the bill would mandate DHS to disseminate findings to authorities at the state and federal levels, ensuring coordinated efforts to address these issues. Annual reports on its progress would also be submitted to Congress.
Highlighting the bipartisan nature of the bill, Senator Cornyn underlined its comprehensive approach. “This widely supported, commonsense legislation would allow the Department of Homeland Security to arm itself with the tools to protect our sovereignty against the CCP’s malign influence,” he noted.
The SHIELD Against CCP Act also brings focus to the critical problem of fentanyl trafficking, tied to CCP-controlled entities that supply precursor chemicals. “Fentanyl has devastated communities across Arizona for too long,” said Senator Gallego. “This bipartisan bill will help DHS understand how the Chinese Communist Party is exploiting our border and fueling fentanyl trafficking, so we can close those gaps and keep our communities safe.”
The legislation incorporates a sunset clause that would dissolve the working group seven years after its establishment unless Congress extends it. DHS would also be tasked with researching new technologies to strengthen its ability to counter the CCP’s activities.
Endorsements for the SHIELD Against CCP Act come from a wide range of organizations, including the National Border Patrol Council, National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and Major County Sheriffs of America. The bill’s companion legislation has already passed overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives with bipartisan support.
Offering a collaborative solution to pressing security issues, the SHIELD Against CCP Act represents a unified stance against threats from China. Lawmakers anticipate that, if enacted, the legislation will play a crucial role in protecting the United States’ national security and economic resilience in the face of increasing global challenges posed by the CCP.
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