The Senate advanced a bill on Thursday regarding China’s competitiveness after Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) agreed to a deal with GOP leaders.
“The process was important here. For years senators have been clamoring for an open process and more amendment votes. … Well this competition bill ought to be the answer to my colleagues’ prayers,” Schumer said, according to The Hill.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) added, “So there’s no excuse for shutting off debate prematurely before the Senate’s been able to have its say,” he said in the report.
“Republicans don’t want some big fight. We want an outcome. A bipartisan outcome. Even now, discussions are continuing behind the scenes,” McConnell added.
What Is the Bill?
NPR reported, “The 1,445-page act would appropriate $52 billion for America’s microchip industry, tens of billions more for scientific research, and an overhaul of the National Science Foundation, adding a technology directorate.”
Walter Lohman, Heritage Center director of the Asian Studies Center, noted the earlier bill “is an enormous bill in both length and price, and it is certain to get bigger as Senators offer amendments.”
Lohnman added, “The debate is long overdue, but this bill needs a great deal of revision.”
The updated version has addressed many of these issues, yet work remains.
Not Everyone Agrees
Not all conservatives agreed with the conclusion of the matter.
The Hill also noted Louisiana Republican Sen. John Kennedy stated, “I think we have given away all of our leverage to Senator Schumer.”
“Whoever was negotiating for us I wouldn’t take them to buy a car with me because they would offer the car salesman a bonus,” Kennedy added.
The new China bill may not be perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction. America must address China’s growing power if it expects to remain competitive in the days ahead.
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