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Tough-on-China bills eyed for passage before 2024 election: US House Speaker Mike Johnson

  • Legislation could further restrict outbound investments in the country and close a trade loophole for small parcels coming from the mainland

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US House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, delivers remarks at the Hudson Institute in Washington, DC, on Monday. Photo: Getty Images via AFP
Holly Chikin Washington

US House Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday pledged to push through more China-targeted legislation before House members stand for re-election in November.

America’s top-ranking Republican said the measures could further restrict outbound investments in China, close a trade loophole for small parcels from the mainland and yield a biosecurity act prohibiting federal contracting with the country’s biotech firms.

“China poses the greatest threat to global peace. Congress must keep our focus on countering China with every tool at our disposal,” said Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, in remarks at the Hudson Institute, a Washington-based think tank.

“In the short time remaining in this Congress … the House will be voting on a series of bills to empower the next administration to hit our enemies’ economies on day one,” added the conservative congressman and ally of former US president Donald Trump.
2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at Mar-a-Lago in Florida as Johnson listens on April 12, 2024. The US House speaker is an ally of the former American president. Photo: AP
2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at Mar-a-Lago in Florida as Johnson listens on April 12, 2024. The US House speaker is an ally of the former American president. Photo: AP

The goal was to have the package of China-related legislation signed into law by the end of this year, he said.

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