Strong Garners Support for Legislation to Counter the CCP

WASHINGTON- Congressman Dale Strong's legislation, the Strategic Homeland Intelligence and Enforcement Legislation to Defend (SHIELD) Against the CCP Act is gaining nationwide support. This week, the legislation was endorsed by the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), the National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition (NNOAC), and the National Fusion Center Association (NFCA).

"China represents one of the most aggressive and dangerous threats to our national security today. This bill ensures DHS has a dedicated team working to combat this threat. I'm proud this legislation has broad support from my colleagues in the House and our law enforcement partners. It's past time to get this legislation to the President's desk and to protect the American people," said Representative Dale Strong.

"The Chinese Communist Party is actively involved-both directly and indirectly-in supporting transnational criminal organizations engaged in the importation and trafficking of fentanyl, illicit drug precursors, and other controlled substances that have significantly contributed to drug poisonings and deaths across our country. We are grateful to Representative Strong for introducing the SHIELD Against CCP Act and for his commitment to dedicating resources, personnel, and programming to confront these deadly threats. The NNOAC is on the front lines of this fight, and we are committed to working with Congressman Strong and our partners at DHS to confront and dismantle the networks behind illicit drug trafficking," said Eric Brown, President, National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition.

"We applaud Representative Dale Strong for championing the SHIELD Against the CCP Act, legislation that takes critical steps to coordinate efforts in addressing the growing threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party to our homeland. This bill importantly acknowledges the vital role of the National Network of Fusion Centers and the importance of intelligence sharing and collaboration across federal, state, and local levels to protect national security. We are especially grateful for the recognition of our dedicated state and local public safety professionals, both sworn and civilian, who work tirelessly every day to track criminal trends and share timely, credible threat information. Their commitment and expertise are essential to protecting our communities and enhancing our nation's ability to respond to emerging threats," said Mike Sena, President, National Fusion Center Association.

BACKGROUND:

• During a March 9, 2023, House Committee on Homeland Security hearing, national security experts testified on the CCP's efforts to circumvent U.S. homeland security.

• Specifically, witnesses highlighted the CCP's exploitation of American universities, its theft of intellectual property (IP) and technology, risks to economic supply chain security, the threat it poses to critical infrastructure, and its alarming surveillance activities across the U.S. homeland.

• It is estimatedthat the People's Republic of China's theft of U.S. intellectual property extends to the billions, amounting to approximately $4,000 to $6,000 per American family of four after paying taxes.

• Top government agencies contextualize the counterintelligence and economic espionage activities of the government of China as a "grave threat to the economic well-being and democratic values of the United States."

This legislationwould establish a dedicated Department of Homeland Security working group to counter threats posed by the CCP and, specifically, would require the group to examine, assess, and report on the spectrum of nontraditional tactics employed by the government of China and the efforts of DHS to counter these malign activities.

The SHIELD Against CCP Act,H.R. 708, passed the House in March with broad support.